Jace pinched the bridge of her nose. The stress of the last few weeks was building inside and she needed an outlet. She replaced her reading glasses and stared down at the numbers that were swimming before her. Thirteen hundred students were soon due to come through the door of her center and she wasn't sure they had the manpower to deal with them all. Freshmen orientation was turning into a nightmare. She tried one more time to look at open class sections and work the numbers out, but it was useless. She looked up in relief when her office door creaked open.

"Hey. How goes the war?" Jane grinned at her boss.

"A losing battle, I'm afraid. We're going to have to look at these figures again. I can't get everyone into the classes they'll need. We have more and more students coming who will need support and little, if any funding, to cover it." Jace passed the papers across the table to her assistant director.

Jane took the papers and looked at the highlighted sections. "Ouch! Way too many students." She continued to examine the data. "Someone has to talk to admissions about this." She looked up at the Director of the Academic Support Services. "Don't look at me like that. I know you've spoken to them. But do they ever listen to us? Shall we call it a day?"

Jace shook her head. She needed to try to get some of the numbers to match before leaving for the day. "No, I need to work on these figures some more. You go ahead, at least one of us has a life."

Jane passed the numbers back to the dark haired woman. She hated this time of day. She knew that when she went home to the loving arms of her husband, her boss stayed working long into the night. "Jace, there's nothing you can do tonight. We have to wait until the rest of the students have tested. Once we know the real numbers, we can start making some phone calls. How about a drink or some food? Bill is home tonight looking after the kids and you look like you haven't eaten at all today." She looked into the blue hollow eyes of her boss and friend. At that moment in time, she looked older than her thirty-five years. At work, in front of others, Jace carried an air of control and power. But once she was alone, and her guard was down, she looked defeated, as if life had beaten her down. "Come on. The '99' is just down the street. Please? Make an old lady happy."

The brunette smiled, "Oh yeah those additional five years make you ancient. Only you know how to twist me round your little finger. No wonder Bill looks like a man under the thumb. You have a way about you, Weston."

"I try. So, is that a yes? We could make it a working dinner. I want to talk to you about bringing the new graduate assistants on board earlier." Jane stood to leave and noticed the raised eyebrow of the woman in front of her. "What?"

"Why do I feel like I'm about to be scammed?" Jace grabbed her jacket from the back of her chair and followed Jane out of the office.

**

The restaurant was beginning to fill as they were shown to their table. Jace led the way. Jane felt dwarfed in the presence of her friend. She watched the sway of the hips that crowned the longest legs she'd ever seen on a woman. The cut of the gray suit trousers was subtle; they hugged Jace just right around the buttocks, and then dropped straight down. Jane lifted her eyes upwards and over the brunette's torso. Jace's shoulders were broad, but made much broader with the matching suit jacket. Flowing like a river down the middle of Jace's back was her ebony, curled hair, slightly bouncing as she moved her head from side to side. She reminded Jane of a panther. Her eyes were always searching, and her movements were unhurried, nevertheless there was a hidden strength. She was brought back to her surroundings by Jace's back suddenly coming closer than expected. She looked around and realized the waitress had arrived at their table. She watched Jace climb into the booth and stretch her legs out.

Jace looked at Jane quizzically, "What?"

"Huh?" Jane replied. She knew she'd been caught staring.

"You have that expression again. I've known you a few years now and you have that wistful 'why is she still single' look on your face."

Jane shrugged, "I can't help it. I look at you sometimes and I know that underneath your cool bravado there's a warm hearted, lovable woman. Who, I might add, is drop dead gorgeous."

"In your opinion! So, what are you having?"

Jane didn't miss the change of subject. It was always the same when it came to talking about her friend's lack of a sex life, or to put it bluntly, lack of life in general. They had been working together for four years and she'd never known Jace to have a relationship, or do anything outside of work except run, read, or hang out with Jane's clan. She knew that if she continued on the topic her tall friend would become distant. There were secrets lurking in Jace's past but as of yet she hadn't been able to tease them out of her. She loved Jace, and they worked very well together. The two had developed a strong friendship that was more than work but she had yet to break through the last part of Jace Xanthos' barriers; the secrets of her heart.

The food was good, and Jace finally settled into a relaxed frame of mind. She loved listening to Jane talk about her children. Bill and Jane had been together for over twenty years, and had been childhood sweethearts. They had a nine-year-old girl, Josie, who was the cutest girl in the world, and two boys, Taylor and Tom. Taylor was very headstrong as many seven-year-old boys were prone to be. Tom was the youngest, and in Jace's mind, the closest thing she would ever come to having a child of her own. She smiled as she remembered the day Jane had asked if she would be his godmother. They had worked together in the center for two years. It had taken Jace a while to break down some of her self-erected walls, but she had finally let Jane in. Over time she'd become used to spending holidays with the Weston's, and she'd built up trust with the children. When Jane had conceived her third and final child, she had called Jace up immediately and asked her to be the godmother. Jace had been close to tears. She finally felt she had some sort of family.

"Hey! Have you heard a word I have said in the past five minutes?" Jane tapped her fork on the table in front of Jace.

Jace blushed, "Sorry, I got caught reminiscing about Tom's birth."

"No worries, I know about your love affair with my little man. I think his first words were Auntie Jace. So back to business, how do the numbers really pan out?"

Jace sat up, her composure changed from friend to work colleague in a blink of an eye. "If we can get the students through in six orientations, we'll be lucky. I know we have good orientation leaders, but there are just so many more students than usual and less classes because of budget cuts. Every department keeps trimming down the offerings, and we end up being the ones the students lash out at. Last year wasn't half as bad, but the orientation leaders still got a lot of flack and this ended up on the graduate assistants' shoulders. Besides that, we still have to work out some retention programs to keep the students whose test scores are low in the college. The powers that be have been complaining about the freshmen drop out rates. I've reviewed a few other colleges' policies and they have some interesting support programs. But the problem is still funding. We're still struggling from the last budget cut, and this one doesn't look any healthier."

Jane listened intensely. Her job was centered on the day-to-day running of the center, regarding advising and hiring of staff. Jace worked more with the numbers and finances. She had also taken it upon herself to try and get more support into the center for those students that fell short of the mark. The college was making leaps and bounds in its approach to developmental education and Jace had been the driving force behind the funding and grants offered. They had a math, writing, and reading center fully functioning within their area, but they needed to offer the under prepared freshmen more. She knew Jace had set herself high standards, and she vowed to do everything she could to try and find a solution.

"What do you suggest?" Jane asked

"I think we could expand the Freshmen Seminar classes to those students who place in the first English section, but whose scores on the placement tests fall below the required reading level. I think we also need to put something into practice regarding the more high-risk classes. We need it as an additional reinforcement tutoring session, but as a group, not individually. I want to tap into those students who may be socially disconnected from college, as well as academically. I think if we could administer the College Inventory Test during some of the pre-college workshops, we could maybe use those results to sort students into at-risk categories." Jace looked straight at Jane and smiled. "I know it's going to be a hell of a lot of work to do during the summer break, but we do have two months after orientation to set them up."

"Sounds good to me. I told you I had a plan for the graduate assistants to come in earlier. I think if we get them involved with the experienced assistants, they'll be more in touch with what the freshmen students need. We have four new assistants. I looked at the figures and I decided we could work the center with ten assistants. I'm also assigning an assistant to each of us." She saw Jace raise an eyebrow. "Don't give me that look. We struggled this year to get all the administration done. We run the front desk ragged and the students do just the same. I thought if we each had a personal assistant we could use them in more productive ways. We wouldn't have to wait for the front desk staff to have a chance to do our work." Jane could see the frown appearing on Jace's face, and she knew a little more convincing was needed. "Plus, it's cheaper this way."

Jace grinned, "Keep going, Weston. You just said the magic words. You know my budget and me. I was thinking about getting new administrative staff but your way sounds more cost effective."

"We could use the grads to implement a pilot program for your ideas. Maybe ten hours working with the students and ten hours working with us." Jane took a breather. She'd been working on this for a while and although she'd mentioned bits of her plans to Jace, she'd never really explained it all.

Jace sat silently for a moment or two. The cogs in her brain were working furiously. She certainly liked the idea on paper. "Sounds good to me. So when do all the grads come in?"

"Tomorrow."

Jace was wide eyed, "You were so sure I'd say yes."

Jane looked guiltily at her. "Well, you did say earlier on in the year that hiring and firing was my area. So I hired. We have Jill, Jackie, Sarah, Bobby, Mary, and Karen returning to their old role as advisors. This way we don't have to retrain any of them. The new ones all have an interest and major in either education or counseling. Katie has shown an interest in administration, so I thought I'd place her with Terri on the front desk. She can aid in the special programs but also do paperwork etc. Jessie has worked in counseling, and I would like her to work with me. I think she'd do well with the probation students. Cory is in the Special Needs program, so I think she'd work great with any support systems you want to implement, but she'd be specifically useful assigned with Patty and the special education students."

"That sounds good. Patty has been asking for some more support over the year." Jace was impressed with the plan so far.

Jane nodded, "Well she's going to have to wait another two months as Cory is coming to us from overseas."

"An international student?"

"British. The graduate office sent over her records, and she seems an excellent candidate. She's a teacher, but the British system doesn't finish school until later next month. I've been in touch with her via e-mail, and she's agreed to the position." Jane took a sip of her beer. "That leaves Taryn with you. She's also a teacher. I think she's worked with older students, and has a keen interest in working with college students. She's studying Education Leadership."

"I look forward to meeting them tomorrow. We can work on the programs with them. Maybe hire one or two of them that show an interest for the rest of the vacation." Jace raised her glass to Jane, "Here's to a successful but hectic month of June."

**

The sound of an alarm broke the silence in the bright room. A lone arm reached out from the bed to switch it off. The two bodies entwined in the bed seemed to come alive. "Taryn, come on, honey. Time for you to go to work."

"Don't want to." Came the mumbled reply.

"It's your first day. It wouldn't be good if you were late on your first day." Marti lifted the covers off her girlfriend's head. "Come on, open those beautiful eyes."

Taryn peeped an eye open, and then shut it as the bright morning sun glinted through the gap in the curtains. "I don't know why we have to report to duty before the semester. I only just finished my last assistantship. Isn't there a rule out there about slave labor?" She snuggled back into Marti's arms enjoying the warmth. She hated mornings. "Remind me again why I'm doing my Master's?"

"To get rich and famous, and keep me in my old age. Plus, if you weren't in college, you'd be slaving away in a classroom. In fact, at this very moment! So move that sweet little ass to the bathroom." Marti nudged Taryn to the edge of the bed. Marti deepened her voice. "Go. It is your destiny."

"Yes, Darth Vadar." Taryn sat on the edge of the bed and ran her hands through her short hair. She glanced at the clock, noticing there was plenty of time to get ready. She didn't have to be there until midday. Her shower was quick but choosing what to wear was longer. She didn't want to give the impression that she didn't think the job was important but she also wanted to dress relaxed. College was out and she wanted to at least feel like she was on vacation. Taryn had transferred her assistantship from the Education Department to the Achievement Center, as she wanted to work directly with students in a support role. Her previous job had bored her to death. She was either typing up professors' notes, or photocopying. Before that she had taught in a general education classroom for six years. Her decision to give up teaching had been difficult, but she had the opportunity to study full time and achieve her degree within two years. Money had been tight but she had supplemented her stipend with tutoring jobs and money left to her by her mother.

The weather was bright and sunny when she arrived at the college parking lot opposite the college. The reports indicated that it could soar into the 90s, and Taryn was pissed she couldn't spend time at the beach. It was the beginning of June, and the Massachusetts's summer was just beginning to hit the high numbers. In her year at the college, Taryn had yet to venture into the Achievement Center. She knew vaguely where it was and that she had to report to a J. Xanthos. Beyond that she really had no idea what to expect. She found her way easily to the center and was greeted pleasantly by a member of staff. She was directed to wait with others in a back classroom. She glanced around the room and was glad she had chosen to wear a pair of jeans. Everyone else had dressed casual. She smiled at a nervous looking girl. "Hey, I'm Taryn."

"J..Jes..Jessie, I'm sorry I'm not usually this nervous." She shook hands with Taryn.

"Why so nervous?"

"Rumors, really. The director of this unit is known for her ice cool manner and expects nothing but the best. Dr. Xanthos, sounds very intimidating."

Taryn smiled, "You shouldn't listen to rumors. Have you ever met her?"

Jessie shook her head, "Not directly. From a distance when I was an undergrad. Then she chewed a friend of a friend up and spat him out."

"Really?"

"Yeah. He'd been on academic suspension and had forged a letter from her. It was nasty. She'd only just gotten the position, and this kid decided he'd try and pull one over on her. Boy, was he in for a surprise."

Taryn looked up as she saw three other women walking through the door. The shortest of the women looked to be in her forties, and had a frown on her face. Behind her walked an older woman who was engaged in conversation with a tall, dark haired woman who didn't look much older than Taryn herself. She felt a nudge in her side.

"That's her." Whispered Jessie.

Taryn looked at the three women as they came to stand in front of them. She was about to reply when the woman who had been frowning smiled at them. "Hello, I'd like to welcome you to the center and to what we hope will be a very successful year for all. I appreciate you all coming in while on vacation but we felt it was necessary to show you what goes on behind the scenes. You will all be paid for any work you do during the month of June."

Taryn smiled at this comment. Any additional money was a welcome bonus to her savings account. She planned to go on a cruise when she graduated the following May. Her eyes refocused on the woman as she spoke. Taryn looked at her. She looks just like I remember her. She hasn't changed a bit.

"My name is Jane Weston, and I will be your direct supervisor through this year. Any problems you may have can be reported to me. I hope to be available to you all through the year. You will be joining an already established team of workers and advisors. Most of the people in the center are graduate students like you. We have graduate and undergraduate students that run the writing, reading and math centers. These students are under the direct supervision of faculty directors. The front desk administrative staff, lead by Terri, may ask you to do jobs now and again. We also have six grad assistants returning and you'll meet them later. This year we're going to try something different, and attach a grad assistant to a member of staff who run the overall center."

Taryn glanced around at the other assistants. Jessie she had already met. She seemed to be a little younger than Taryn. Her eyes wandered to her left and she caught eyes with an older woman. She gave her a quick smile. As she turned her eyes to the front she was caught in the gaze of an ice cold stare. Taryn felt her blood begin to freeze. She tried to look away but the stare seemed hypnotic. Taryn wanted to shrink down in her seat, but instead she gave a meek smile. This seemed to do the trick as the tall woman dropped her gaze to her feet. Taryn gulped and returned her eyes to Jane Weston.

They were told a little more about the center and then they began a guided tour. Taryn was at the back of the group as they walked around the area. She saw Jessie drop back and nodded.

"Oh, I think you got hit by the ice maiden." Jessie chuckled.

"Pardon?"

"Dr. Xanthos. I saw her lock eyes with you and it didn't look too friendly. What did you do to piss her off all ready?"

Taryn looked toward the front of the group and watched the taller woman point out the various offices. "I have no idea. One minute I was looking at the other grads, and then when I looked back she was staring at me. I guess she likes people to pay attention to the important stuff. She won't catch me doing it again. I wonder which one of us gets to work with her."

"So long as it isn't me I'll be happy!" Jessie replied.

**

**

The lunch was good. Taryn liked Jessie. Jessie's initial nervousness was gone and she chattered away incessantly. The third graduate was an older woman named Katie. They had swapped a brief history about themselves and had settled to finish their lunch. Taryn had directed her attention between Patty, Jane and Jace. The tall woman still seemed distant but Taryn had managed to glean a smile or two from her. She watched discreetly as Jace and Jane discussed the plans for the rest of the afternoon.

Jace had half her attention on Jane's conversation, but couldn't resist glancing down the table at the student that was going to be her assistant for the next year. Jace had expressed her wishes that the assistant be given to someone else, as she was able to manage her own work. But Jane had been insistent. Since she wasn't going to be able to get rid of the student, Jace had decided to suck it up, and at least try and get more information on the woman. She appeared to be in her early twenties but Jace knew that couldn't be true. She'd remembered Jane telling her that Taryn had taught for a few years and was already halfway through her Master's degree. Jace had her pegged at about twenty-eight. She returned her attention to Jane, but out of the corner of her eye, she caught some movement. She turned her head and saw Taryn walking to the edge of the room, cell phone to her ear.

"Think you two will get along?" Jane asked as she looked where Jace's eyes were aimed.

"Shouldn't be a problem. Once we set up the developmental programs, she may only be with me for an hour or so a week." Jace smirked at Jane.

Jane sighed, "The idea of this is to take the strain off you, Jace. Taryn seems a very bright and eager worker. I spoke to the Education Department and they were sorry to see her go. Please, at least consider using her to cut down on your workload. It's time you found other interests, outside of work."

Jace frowned. She hated when Jane read her like a book. She stood and bent down to Jane's ear, "I'll think about it."

Jane caught hold of Jace's arm, "Where are you going? We still have another fifteen minutes before we have to be in the library."

"I know. I thought I'd go and introduce myself to Taryn." Jace smiled sweetly and headed towards the blonde woman.

Taryn stared at the wall as she waited for the phone to connect. She tapped her foot and glanced at the notices stuck to the board. Finally, she was connected to her girlfriend's voicemail, "Hey, Marti. It's me. I just wanted to check on our plans for tonight. I think I can blow this joint by three unless the old dragon I've been assigned to keeps me longer than necessary. I think I made a bad call leaving the Ed. Department. Catch you later, babe." She switched off the phone and turned straight into a body that was standing very close to her. "Hey, back up a bit. There is such a thing as invading someone's personal spa..." Her torrent of words was caught short as she found the ice-cold stare that had held her gaze those few hours before.

Jace took a deep breath, "Taryn, I didn't mean to interrupt your phone call. I just wanted to say how much I was looking forward to working with you." Jace held out her hand and forced a smile onto her face. Inside she was seething. Dragon, she thinks I'm a dragon. And an old one to boot.

Taryn swallowed down a gulp. "Hi. No worries. I'd finished anyway." She squeaked and shook the hand offered to her. Fuck. Why me! "I'm looking forward to working with you too."

Sure you are! Jace thought and she squeezed the hand in hers a little harder than necessary. "I was just heading back to the office. Jane is going to run the next section of the training. Maybe we'll catch up later."

Taryn nodded. She was trying desperately not to wince from the handshake. She was relieved when her boss let go of her hand. "I'd like that very much." She tried smiling, but she knew it must have looked fake. She watched the tall figure disappear down the corridor. Taryn leaned against the wall and wished she could go back in time.

Jane had watched the interaction from across the café. She shook her head and stood up. "Well I hope you all enjoyed lunch. We'll meet in the library in about twenty minutes." She walked over to the blonde woman leaning against the wall. "Hey there."

"You could have warned me." Taryn said through gritted teeth.

Jane glanced around, and then stroked the arm of the girl beside her. "If you remember this was your idea. You were the one who didn't want anyone to know we were related. Therefore, I felt it best if you were treated in just that manner."

Taryn nodded. "I know, Auntie Jane. But I think I just ruined my new career before it began."

Jane laughed. "I don't think so, and cut the 'auntie' crap. There's barely ten years between us. You look good." Jane cast an eye over her niece. She hadn't seen her in several years.

"You look good, too. Thank you for this. I was so bored last year." Taryn pushed away from the wall. "Want to walk?"

"Sure, we have a few minutes. How have you been?" Jane knew Taryn had ghosts to get over but it had hurt her not to have her young relative visit.

Taryn breathed in the warm, muggy air. "I'm holding my own. I'm sorry for not visiting last year. I kept meaning to come across campus, but I never got the chance."

Jane knew there was more to the story, but she didn't push Taryn. "Well, now you have no excuses. I'm looking forward to having you around. Your mom would have liked it, too. You do know you're welcome in our home anytime, Ryn."

Taryn could feel the emotions rising when she heard her childhood name. She closed her eyes and tried to push back the memories. "So, how are the kids? I heard through the grapevine there was a third one."

Jane wanted to say so much more, but knew they had to keep a professional distance. She had taken a risk employing Taryn. She wasn't sure if it was a conflict of interest, but that had been the main reason why she had paired Jace and Taryn together. Ultimately, Jace would be Taryn's supervisor. When Taryn had asked Jane to keep quiet about their relationship, Jane hadn't said no. She had her own reasons for wanting Taryn closer to her. "Yes, you have another cousin. Thomas Jace Weston."

Taryn coughed, "You named him after your boss?"

Jane smiled, "No, I named him after my friend." Jane looked at her watch. "We need to get back. How about coming over for dinner tonight?" She saw a shadow of doubt cross Taryn's path. "The coast is clear."

Taryn shook her head, "I have plans, but I promise I will come over soon. I've missed the kids."

The older woman nodded, "And they've missed you."

**

Jace stood at the back of the room and was surprised to see her assistant and grad student walk in together. Both appeared to be deep in thought. The other grad assistants had arrived at the designated time, and Jace had begun to wonder where Jane was. She had asked the other students, but none of them were sure except that she had left with Taryn. As the two women entered the room, Jace noticed that Taryn didn't even try to mask her displeasure about being there. She watched as Jane gave the introductory speech and set up the activities. The O.L.s were in charge of the icebreakers and Jace smiled as Jane came toward her.

"They seem a keen bunch this year." Jace watched as the students mingled with each other.

"They are. I think the grad students will do well this year. They seem very eager, too." Jane saw Jace's eyebrow rise. "What?"

"Yours seems fine, but I think you may need to do some switching around." Jace kept her eyes on the crowd.

Jane sensed she was going to have to ask outright if she wanted to get to the bottom of the problem. "What's wrong?"

Jace shuffled her feet. "I don't think Taryn and I are going to get along."

Jane felt a sense of family loyalty, and was about to tell Jace about how clever and hard working her niece really was. She breathed deeply. "Jace, you've barely met the girl. Give her a chance. Since when have you been concerned about whether you like someone or not."

Jace chewed on her lip. She felt like a petulant child. She was supposed to be the Director, the person in charge. Jane had a way of making her feel like she was ten. "She hates me."

Jane turned her attention to Taryn. The blonde was laughing with the other grads. Her brown eyes sparkled. Jane couldn't remember the last time she'd seen such life in her eyes. Not since Penny's illness. She squared her shoulders, "Jace, you've spoken to her once today, and on that one conversation you've decided she hates you. You sound like Josie and Taylor! At least they have an excuse; they're kids. What did she say exactly? You couldn't have been with her for more than a minute."

"She called me a dragon!" Jace winced when she saw the grin on Jane's face.

"She didn't!"

"Yes, she did. An old one at that." Jace pouted.

Jane knew her niece had a temper, but she couldn't imagine Taryn being that rude. "She said that to your face?"

Jace looked at her watch. "Time to move onto the individual sessions."

Jane put her hand on Jace's arm and prevented her from moving. "Did she say it to your face?" Jace mumbled something. "What? Speak up, Jace. You sound like Tom when he's sulking."

"Not exactly. I heard her on the phone."

"Well that will teach you to listen in to private phone calls. Everyone calls his or her boss names. You should hear the things I say about you!" She nudged Jace. "Look, I know you don't want anybody interfering with your work. But you do need help, Jace. Try it out for a month at least and if you don't like Taryn I'll switch her for one of the other grads. She just seemed the best one for you to work with. I think she could learn a good deal about leadership from you. You've helped the Center so much and you're a natural leader. She deserves to learn from the best." Jace looked at her friend. There was something about the way the brown eyes looked at her that seemed familiar.

"Okay. I'll try it."

**

Taryn sat at the dining room table looking over the testing manual she'd brought from work the previous day. She smiled as Marti came through the kitchen door carrying plates and a Chinese take out bag. "Food! You must have read my mind."

"Didn't have to, I heard your belly from the highway." Marti kissed the top of Taryn's head. "How was work?"

"Okay. The first of the orientations is tomorrow. Some of the freshmen came in May to test but a majority still needs it done. Jace told me I was to proctor tomorrow's sessions." Taryn had barely spoken to her boss since the frosty encounter at the cafÈ. She had tried a few times to engage Jace in conversation, but any attempt had always been cut off by a short answer. It wasn't that Jace had been rude to her, she smiled all the time but the smile didn't quite reach the eyes.

"She must think you're doing okay if she's asked you to administer the tests. At least you're not photocopying or typing." Marti opened the containers and offered some rice to Taryn.

Taryn looked at Marti. They had been dating for just over a year. Taryn had met Marti at a bar not long after making the decision to leave teaching and return to the US. She'd been raw with emotions following her mother's death, and Marti had been a calming influence on her. A few dates later and Taryn had found herself moving into the redhead's apartment. Taryn and Marti had a good sex life, and enjoyed each other's company. Taryn was content for the moment. She knew Marti wanted more commitment from her but Taryn had said they'd talk about it once she graduated.

As they ate, each woman talked about their day at work. Marti worked as an accountant at one of the regional administration blocks for a local school system. It suited them, as they both had education in common. Marti understood Taryn's desire to move up the educational ladder and Taryn understood the stress that Marti was under, especially at budget time.

"So, will I ever get to meet Auntie Jane?" Marti stroked Taryn's hand as she asked.

"One day. I work with her, so there's bound to be a social gathering. Remember it's a secret." Taryn had been torn between telling Marti about her aunt's involvement and hiding it. She had decided to let Marti in on the secret, as she knew it could bite her on the ass if she didn't.

Marti continued with her stroking. Even though they'd been lovers for a long time, Marti had yet to meet anyone from Taryn's immediate family. "Yeah, I know, but I thought you might be invited to family dinners, or just to say hello."

Taryn pulled her hand from Marti's grasp. "Marti, leave it alone. If and when I decide to socialize with my aunt, you'll be the first to know." Taryn didn't want to tell Marti she was due to go to her aunt's the following evening. She didn't want to take Marti to her aunt's until she knew it was safe, or until she was ready. Seeing the hurt look in Marti's eyes she relented. "I'm sorry, I promise I'll take you over soon. Speaking of families, your mother called and asked about the weekend. Go give her a return call before she turns up on the doorstep." She kissed Marti on the head and headed for the living room.

**

Jace was pleased. The training had gone well. Despite her misgivings, Taryn had turned out to be very organized. They had gone over the training manual just once, but Taryn had introduced and proctored the tests very proficiently and professionally. Jace had noticed that Taryn was social with everybody on the team, and had a knack of relaxing Jessie when she got too nervous. Jane had explained that Jessie wanted to work in higher education as a counselor, but did have initial problems with her nerves when it came to meeting new people. Jane sensed that with time Jessie would settle well into her career, and Taryn seemed to have taken the younger grad under her wing. Things were not that simple between Jace and Taryn. Jace had to admit that she really hadn't tried that hard. She didn't totally trust the younger woman. There was something secretive about her that Jace didn't like. She'd caught Jane and Taryn in a heated discussion the previous day. Neither woman had noticed Jace's presence and Jace thought she'd seen tears in both women's eyes. She'd questioned Jane later about it but had been dismissed far too quickly.

At the end of the day, Jane flopped into her chair. Jace walked in and smiled. "Day one down, eleven more of the same to come!"

"How did the testing go?" Jane stretched her arms above her head.

Jace sat on the edge of her friend's desk. "Good. Actually, very good. Taryn did a nice job of getting all the students through in time. Everything went smoothly and she's uploading the results as we speak."

Jane smiled. "So, how are you two are getting on?"

"I wouldn't say we were best friends but we haven't killed each other either!" Catching the glint in the brown eyes she sighed, "Okay, okay I admit it. You were right. She does seem like a hard worker and she's very good with the students. What are your plans for the evening?"

"Go home, see the kids, and wait for tomorrow. It's going to be hell. Do you know we have over two hundred students and too few classes?" Jane knew she shouldn't have mentioned it when she saw Jace's shoulders drop.

"Well tomorrow is the first of six registration dates. Can you imagine what Session F is going to be like?" She smiled at Jane. "Go home. I'm going to see if I can estimate how many seats will be taken in the pre-college classes. I need to highlight the double dippers."

**

Jane had just paid for the pizza when she saw Taryn pull onto the drive. She waited at the door to welcome the woman into her home. Jane saw the fear on Taryn's face, and walked down the path toward her. "They're not in. I promised it would just be the two of us. Come on, I have pizza."

Taryn followed Jane into the house she knew all too well as a child. The rooms were decorated in a different style and the furniture was new, but Taryn could still feel the oppressive atmosphere. Could still feel the pain. "You've done it up nice. Gram would be pleased if she could see it."

Jane pulled Taryn to her. "She'll be more pleased and very happy you're home. I promise you, Taryn, things are changing. Slowly, but surely, they are. They do miss you." Jane continued toward the kitchen.

Taryn followed her aunt. She had promised herself not to think about the past. She wanted a future and she wanted to know her cousins. They sat at the table and looked at each other. "I know. So how did you think today went?"

Jane smiled. "You and Jace are just the same."

"What do you mean?" Taryn grabbed a slice of pepperoni pizza as she asked.

"Always changing the subject when things get too personal." Jane smiled.

"It's probably the only thing we have in common. She's a bit cold for my liking." Taryn had decided that she needed to find out more about her boss. She'd seen the way Jace relaxed around her aunt and wanted to know what Jace was really like.

"She has a certain persona around the students but with everyone else she's kind of relaxed." Jane tried to be diplomatic. She knew her boss had a reputation, as being hard to work with, but overall, she was well respected, and Jane loved her.

"Well, she definitely considers me a student. She's been cold as ice to me since the get go." Taryn took another piece of pizza and picked at the pepperoni.

Jane laughed, "Well, my darling, Ryn. If you will insist on describing your boss as an 'old dragon'" She held her arms up and mimed quotation marks as she said it, "what can you expect?"

Taryn blushed. "Oh! She told you. I didn't say it to her face. I'd just listened to a lot of gossip and was feeling down. It was nothing personal."

Jane looked at her young niece. She looked good. Her skin was lightly tanned and her hair cut short to her head. If her eyes weren't brown, Jane was convinced she'd pass for a Meg Ryan look-alike. "I know. I did tell Jace she shouldn't have eavesdropped. She really is nice. Just give her time to see what a good person you are. I think she's beginning to see that already."

"Really?" Taryn was intrigued. "What did she say?"

Jane sighed, "Now, Taryn, you know I can't tell you anything. I have to be loyal to Jace. She's my employer and my friend. So how's life in general? Are you dating somebody?"

Taryn pushed the crust of her pizza around the plate. She knew she couldn't avoid these questions forever. "Yeah."

"And are they nice?" Jane didn't want to push her niece for too much information. She knew Taryn was having a hard enough time fighting the demons that lived in the house, but she wanted to show her niece that she cared.

"Yeah. I think so." Taryn knew she was being difficult, but opening up wasn't easy for her. She'd made that mistake too many times in the past.

Jane took a deep breath but couldn't hold her curiosity any longer. "For crying out loud, Ryn. This is me you're talking to. Remember me? I'm the person you called up when you lost your virginity. I'm the person you talked to when you went through your insecurities about being gay. I'm the one you came crying to when you got your heart broken for the first time. Is it so hard to tell me a little bit about your life now? I know things have been difficult between us, but you're still special to me." Jane wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry, I promised myself I wouldn't break down in front of you. I've just missed you so much. I promised your mom I'd take care of you, and I feel like I failed her. I feel like I failed us. You were more like a sister to me than a niece."

Taryn bit back a biting comment. She wanted to go on the defensive, but knew deep down it would make things doubly difficult at work. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and whispered, "I've missed you, too." Sensing her aunt's distress Taryn pleaded, "Hey, don't cry. Please, Jane." Taryn got out of her chair and went to stand behind her aunt. "I'm sorry, I'm such a jerk at times." She took the older woman in her arms and hugged her from behind. "Shhh, come on, I'm here now. You see me nearly everyday. I'm okay. I have a nice girlfriend, Marti, who is dying to meet you." Taryn knew she was rambling, but she didn't know how else to stop her aunt from crying. "I never meant to shut you out. I just had to get over my past, over myself, find out who I was. You know why I left. It hurt too much to stay." The blonde kept rocking her aunt until the woman's sobs quieted down.

Jane held onto Taryn's arms. "So you have a girlfriend?" She sniffed back the tears. "Is it serious?"

Taryn released her hold on the older woman. She rubbed the brunette's shoulders. "I suppose so. We live together."

Jane couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You're living together and you think it might be serious. Always looking after that heart of yours." Jane had seen Taryn grow up battling more demons than your average child should have to. She'd seen Taryn go on her first date, to her first prom, and then through her first heartbreak with a woman called Ann. She remembered Taryn's promise about never giving her heart away again.

"Marti's nice. She's an accountant. We met just over a year ago. She's been very supportive and helped me with college. She loses patience with me on occasion, especially when I don't tell her things but we're working on that. She says I should be more open. Let my feelings out."

Jane smiled and touched the cheek of her niece. "You and Jace have another thing in common." She realized what she had said, "I'm sorry. I know you don't think good things about Jace, but she really is a good friend. She helped fill a void that your mother left inside of me."

Taryn turned to the plates on the counter and began to clear up. Jane watched her. She wanted to say so much more, but knew that Taryn wasn't ready. "Taryn, I wanted to ask a favor."

"Sure. I'll try with Jace, Auntie Jane, I promise."

Jane smiled, "Thanks, sweetie, I appreciate the thought and I may take you up on that promise. But this has nothing to do with Jace. It's Taylor. He's having difficulties at school and refuses to do any homework. It's turning into a battle field and I hoped that maybe you'd tutor him. He hates reading and writing, and I thought that a new person might ignite something in him. I know you worked with older students in Ireland, but I was hoping you'd give it a shot. He still remembers you."

"Where would I tutor him?" Taryn would do anything for Jane within reason.

Jane knew what Taryn was hinting at. "Bill and Patrick go to the sports center on Mondays after work to play basketball. Then they watch football until late. They never come home before eleven. Think about it, and let me know tomorrow. I thought we could maybe begin as soon as possible. I don't want Taylor going through the summer without a tutor. I'd pay you, too."

Taryn glared at her aunt. "You will not. If, and I mean if, I decide to do this, I'll do it for family not for money. We'll make a deal. If I decide to do this then we'll do pizza and a movie when the kids are in bed. I'll talk to Marti about it. I'm taking classes two nights a week, and I don't know how she'd feel if I was out another night of the week." Taryn glanced at her watch. "I'd better be going. I have an early start in the morning. I work for these real slave drivers and they have scheduled a meeting at seven thirty in the morning! Thanks for the pizza." She walked to the door. As she opened it, she turned and took Jane into her arms. "I missed you so much." She kissed her aunt and strolled down the path.

Chapter 2

Jace yawned, stretching her arms over the back of her chair. She glanced up at the clock. It was 7am. She had been unable to sleep, so after a quick run in the early morning sun, she had showered and driven into the Center much earlier than necessary. She had identified all the students from the previous day's testing that would require additional support beyond what they provided for freshmen. Her problem now was deciding what kind of support she could provide. She opened her eyes and visibly jumped as she met the gaze of Taryn leaning on her office door.

Taryn could sense she had unnerved the woman. That hadn't been her plan. She had meant to announce herself, but when she'd seen the woman stretch out and caught sight of the firm breasts straining at the soft material of the silk blouse, she'd lost all focus. She was now caught in the same icy glare that seemed to constantly emanate her way. Aunt Jane you so owe me. Here goes nothing. "Hi...err...I thought you might like some coffee." She was babbling like a small child. A sudden nervousness had enveloped her. "I didn't mean to creep up on you." She put the steaming cup of Dunkin Donuts coffee on the desk, and offered the bag of donuts towards the frigid looking woman. Relax. You can do this. Talk about the weather. Talk about the drive in. Just don't give in. Taking a deep breath, Taryn continued with her babbling. "The weather's supposed to be very hot today. Some say it's going to hit the high 90s. I just hope they crank the air conditioning up."

Jace was trying so hard not to smile. The blonde in front of her was obviously trying to make peace between them. Well she's a stronger person than I am. I'm not sure I would have offered the white flag first. She listened a little longer, and then decided to put the younger woman out of her misery. "Thanks." She grabbed the coffee cup. "You must have read my mind. I was just trying to work out where I could get my caffeine boost from." She smiled.

Taryn blushed. She wasn't used to praise from the intimidating woman in front of her and this was definitely the first time in a long week that Jace's smile had actually reached her eyes. "No worries. I was up early this morning and decided I couldn't wait for the meeting to have breakfast. I ...err...I noticed you come in early, so I thought I'd share the drugs around."

Jace laughed. "Yep caffeine is definitely my chosen drug of the day. So, what's in the bag?" She was warming to Taryn. She couldn't keep the smile off her face.

"Donuts. Plain ones. I wasn't sure what kind you like. So I got the bare basics." Taryn was babbling again. Her hands were shaking. She'd thought long and hard about the things Jane had said concerning Jace, and had decided she really was the one who needed to make the first move. In all honesty, she didn't think Jace would ever hold out the olive branch toward her. As Marti had said the night before, "Taryn you are but a minion and she is the all mighty boss. You can either suck it up and make nice, or be miserable all year." Taryn had listened and decided that she could at least try and get on Jace's good side. She'd also promised Jane she would try.

"I can do plain. I really like all donuts. I think it's the sugar rush. Thank you, Taryn." She watched as a light blush lit up the younger girl's skin. "Take a seat." She indicated to the chair in front of her desk. "We may as well eat together."

Taryn sat down and tried to keep her food inside her stomach. The woman in front of her had an air of cockiness that Taryn found disturbing. She was desperate to knock the smirk off the woman's face. Breath. In. Out. You are the bigger person. Remember you're doing this for Jane. You're doing this so you have a good year. You're doing this so you don't end up back at the Ed. Department, photocopying and avoiding the groping hands of Dr. Bacon. Taryn forced a smile onto her face. She was at a loss for words, a first for her. Since she couldn't think of anything to say, so she decided to just eat.

Jace was enjoying herself. The woman in front of her was definitely trying, but she could tell it was killing her. She smirked to herself. Oh, Jane, you'd love to see this one. I'm trying to play nice. "So, Taryn, how do you like the Center?"

"It's good. The atmosphere in here is very relaxed. I like that, and the other grads seem very friendly. I missed mixing with other students last year."

Jace chewed on her donut. Okay, short and sweet. Small talk was not one of Jace's favorite past times. She wracked her brain to try and think of a topic that would get the conversation going. "How did classes go last semester?"

Taryn shrugged, "Okay. Some of them were really interesting. Others didn't really teach me anything I didn't already know. I have found learning more about the US educational system interesting from an administration point of view. When you're in the classroom, you think all the roadblocks are just someone's idea of a joke. Then you put on an administrator's hat and you realize you're playing with a different hand of cards."

The brunette nodded in agreement, "I hear you. It's the same over here. You have all the professors wanting different things from their students. They don't understand that we only have a set amount of money or resources." Jace sensed she had found a subject that Taryn seemed interested in. "Jane tells me you were a teacher before this. Which school system did you work in?"

Taryn looked at Jace. She wasn't sure how much Jane had told Jace. "The Irish. I lived over there for a few years after graduation." She saw the spark of interest in Jace's eye. She hadn't meant for the conversation to focus so much on her.

"I thought I heard a slight lilt to the accent. Do you have family over there?"

Taryn nodded. "Yeah, I used to." Please change the subject, please change the subject. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Jace and Taryn both lifted their eyes to the doorway. They saw Jane smiling back at them.

"Good morning, is this a private party or can anyone join?" She winked. Taryn smiled knowing her aunt was winking her thanks at her. Jace grinned at her partner; she knew the wink was aimed at her for trying with Taryn.

"No, Taryn just surprised me with an early breakfast. You can't beat Dunkin Donuts coffee. The catering coffee just doesn't meet the grade." Jace stood up as she said this and felt like she was towering above Taryn.

Taryn felt uncomfortable as she was sandwiched between Jace and Jane. She decided that she had outstayed her welcome. "Is it that time already? I should go to the bathroom before the meeting." She brushed past Jane and heard a very quiet 'thank you' as she went by.

Jane settled into the chair her niece had vacated. "Yesterday, you two could barely stand to be in the same room and this morning you're doing breakfast together." She placed her hand on Jace's arm. "Thanks for making the effort. I know you didn't have to."

"Taryn made the first move." As she sat back down she noticed black bags under Jane's eyes. "Tough night?"

Jane unconsciously touched her face. "Yeah. Tom seems to be teething again, and Bill and I had an argument."

Jace's eyes opened wide. Jane and Bill had a perfect marriage, or so she thought. "You two are my heroes. Please don't tell me there's trouble in paradise." She wanted to show Jane that she was interested even though she was joking.

"Just a difference of opinion. We're fine. On the odd occasion, the strain of having Patrick with us rears its head. So we're your heroes?"

Jace laughed. "You just seem so good together. So in love. I guess I would want what you have, if I ever found someone to love."

Jane could see the wistful expression on Jace's face. This was the first time Jace had ever mentioned wanting to find a partner. Unsure of what to say, Jane just shrugged. "Jace, don't believe all you see."

Jace stood up again; sensing things were about to go down a path neither woman had time for. "Let's go and face the troops."

**

June flew by for the members of the Achievement Center. As the month went by, the students kept coming. Everybody had fallen into their role and the orientation sessions ran like well oiled machines. It was the end of June, and the last student had been advised and sent on their way. Terri walked into the Center struggling to carry a gallon of ice cream. "Hey guys, there's two more in the car. Any volunteers?" Two of the male O.L.s followed the direction of her arm. Taryn ran up to help Terri the rest of the way. Jane and Jace had offered everyone sodas and ice cream to celebrate the end of a successful orientation month. Taryn placed the container on the covered table, and went in search of the cones she had seen Terri store earlier in the day.

"So, you survived the month?" Taryn was just coming out of the stock cupboard when she heard Jace.

"Yeah. I never knew there was so much to do. I don't think the students appreciate how much goes on behind the scenes. I was very impressed and relieved when the math chairperson opened up an extra session of classes. I thought we were going to have a mini riot when the students heard there were more classes closed than open."

Jace took a box out of Taryn's arms. "Here let me help you. Well, it took a lot of negotiations and I had to nearly sell my soul to the devil but he agreed to my reasons. I now have two months to try and put some plans into action while you guys get to have the whole summer off."

"Yeah. Sun, sea and plenty of time to get bored." Taryn had just realized she was not looking forward to the vacation time. She'd become accustomed to working at the Center, and with the exception of the first week, she had to admit she felt comfortable working there.

Jace raised an eyebrow, "Bored?"

Taryn nodded. "I think I have a short attention span. I hate being left to my own devices. I'm not much company for myself." Jace and Taryn had called a happy truce since the morning Taryn had brought Jace coffee. They had fallen into a comfortable comradeship and Taryn found that every now and again she offered more about herself to Jace. The tall woman had not been so open but she hadn't put up any more walls either, and seemed to treat Taryn with respect.

"So how would you feel about working the rest of the summer? We need a few people to help set up some pilot programs. We have another grad student coming in, Cory Williams. In fact, you two may have a lot in common as she's coming from across the ocean, too. It's not great money, but it'll keep you honest." Jace put the cones next to the ice cream and pulled the soda bottles out of the cooler.

"How long do I have to think about it?" Taryn asked. The idea was tempting, but she needed to check with Marti. She knew Marti was working most of the vacation but they had discussed going to Florida for a week or two. Taryn was thinking about how useful the extra money would be, she could add it to her cruise fund.

"You could call me over the weekend or e-mail me. I do need to know before next week. Sorry it's such short notice. Jane and I just haven't had a chance to sit down and make a decision." She wrote her number down on a piece of paper. "Think about it. I know Jessie is interested but I think it would be a good opportunity for you to get some experience in developing support programs."

Taryn took the number, "Thanks. Let me talk to my partner and I'll call you." She turned to talk to Jessie. Jace just stood there. She'd never thought about Taryn's private life before. She hadn't thought about any of her workers, because it really wasn't any of her business. But suddenly an aching emptiness inside of her began to make itself known. She felt a sense of disappointment. Jane interrupted her musings.

"Did you ask her?" Jane had been trying to get Jace to ask Taryn about staying on for the past few days.

"Yes. She's thinking about it. Has to talk it over with her partner." Jace said as she scooped ice cream into a cone.

Jane wasn't sure how much of her private life Taryn had revealed to others. She decided to err on the side of caution. It wasn't her place to out Taryn if she hadn't told anyone. "Are you coming out with us later?" Jace shook her head. "Why not? Jessie and Katie are all up for it. Terri said she was coming, and I think Patty may be coming if she can get a baby sitter."

"They don't need the 'old dragon' ruining their fun."

Jane slapped her playfully on the arm. "Come on, Jace. Everyone deserves to have some fun now that orientation is over, and that includes you. I think it would be good for everybody to bond."

"I'm not sure it's a good idea to mingle with the staff." Jace knew her protests were weak.

"Come off it, Jace. I supervise most of them. I know they're students but they're also professionals. Katie's five years my senior and very interesting to talk to. If they worked on the staff full time you'd have no problems. Come, please? For me?" Jane fluttered her eyelashes.

Jace scowled, "I'm supposed to be the boss here and yet you always seem to pull rank on me. Okay. But just for you." Seeing the smirk on Jane's face she added, "And just for a few hours."

**

Taryn arrived home exhausted. The month had been a long one. She was glad it was over and had the prospect of two months vacation time. She reclined on the sofa and thought about Jace's offer. The woman had seemed sincere. It was tempting, but she knew Marti would be pissed if they didn't make it down to Florida. She rubbed her eyes and then noticed the answering machine blinking. She pressed play. "Taryn, it's me. I know we were going to the movies, but mom called and she wanted me to help her out. She's planning a huge party for Fourth of July. I tried to get out of it, but you know how insistent she can be. Don't be mad. Love you." Taryn punched the delete button and covered her eyes with her arm. It had been Marti's idea to hit the movies. Taryn had said no to the work outing because of it. She looked at her watch. She still had a few hours to decide whether to meet the others at the bar. She closed her eyes and soon was sending up soft, quiet snores.

**

Jane waved her arms frantically above her head. Jace nodded an acknowledgement as she caught her friend's gesticulations. She moved toward the group and greeted Jessie and Katie as she passed by. "Hi there. Nice place." She looked around the small bar. There was an 'old meets the new world' feeling about the place. She liked the old beams with beer plates resting on the top. Around the bar was high seating, and further away were the dining tables. She looked beyond the bar and saw pool tables. Behind the tables were doors leading out the back. "What's out there?"

"That's the back decking and an additional bar. They have sand on the floor, so you feel like you're at a clambake. It's really good. Bill brought me here a few weeks ago. I thought it would appeal to the young and old. What would you like?" Jane asked.

"A beer, thanks." She glanced around again. "No Taryn tonight?"

"No, she said she was going to the movies. It's a shame, as I hoped we'd all get to know each other better. I'm glad you like the place." Jane noticed Jace was still looking round the room.

"Maybe, you might find something else tonight." She winked at Jace.

"You're my something else. You're always trying to match-make."

They settled out on the deck. There was still plenty of light and warmth. As the beers flowed so did the chatter. Everyone ordered the bar special of clambake with lobster tails. As the waitress left, Jace looked up and saw a now familiar blonde head. She smiled when she saw her grad assistant walking towards them.

"Taryn! You made it!" Jane jumped up from her seat. "Come over here and sit by me."

Jace was a little disappointed that Taryn took the seat on the other side of Jane. She had been hoping the blonde would sit by her. Who are you kidding, in work she has to be nice, but out of it she doesn't have any allegiance to you. Jace tried to listen in on Jane's conversation with her assistant.

"What happened?" Jane seemed very concerned.

"Nothing, just a change of plans. Marti had to go some place else. Have you ordered?" Taryn asked. She turned and said hello to Jessie and Katie, and hugged Terri as she walked by. She noticed that Jace was sitting on the other side of her aunt, but looking intently at her knife. "You were right when she said she didn't get out much." Taryn whispered to her aunt.

"Behave, Taryn. I said no such thing. I'm pleased you came. You look awesome." Taryn blushed. She had decided to dress in her black jeans and a tight white shirt. Her black sweater was slung over her shoulder in case it got colder later. She knew her tan stood out against the white of her top.

Jace hadn't missed the look of adoration in Jane's eye as she appraised Taryn. There was a familiarity about the pair that made Jace feel jealous. She wasn't sure if it was Jane's attention to Taryn or lack of attention to her.

The meal was good and Jace had found Katie to be pleasant company. She had listened in now and again to the other conversations around the table, and she had managed to glean a little information about all the grad assistants. Katie was married with children all in their early twenties. Katie had decided to go back to college when the kids no longer lived at home. Jessie was twenty-five and was due to get married the following year. Taryn had said little about herself except what she had said to Jane at the beginning of the evening.

After dinner, Jane was busy dancing with Terri, Katie, and Jessie on the dance floor. Patty had taken her leave, as she hadn't been able to get her baby sitter to stay too late. Jace was sitting at the bar, a seltzer in her hand.

"Hey."

Jace turned to see Taryn sitting next to her. "Enjoying yourself?"

Taryn nodded. "Pretty good. Not my sort of bar but the food was good."

"I'm full to bursting. I don't know how they can jig around without their food coming back up." She heard a giggle come from Taryn's direction. "Can I buy you a beer?"

"Sure. A Guinness, please." Taryn relaxed against the bar. She'd made the right decision to come here tonight.

"A true Irish girl, huh?" Jace teased.

"Guinness, forever. Although I have yet to find a bar in America that can pour a Guinness as good as the Irish." Taryn watched as the woman poured the black liquid into a glass. "They make the shape of a shamrock on top of the Guinness in Ireland. That's how thick it can be. Do you like it?"

Jace shook her head and pulled a face. "I can't say I've tasted it before. It certainly doesn't look too appealing. I'm not a big drinker, the occasional glass of wine or beer now and again. I'm always wary when it comes to work socials, as I'd hate to be the one people gossip about the next day. I also want to make sure everyone gets home safely."

As the bartender put the glass in front of Taryn, the blonde passed it to Jace. "Sounds sensible to me but a little sip won't kill you. Go on try it." She lifted the glass to Jace's face. "Come on, before you criticize something you should have all the facts to hand." She knew she was being pushy, but Jace didn't appear to mind.

Jace felt the creamy liquid against her lips. She took a short sip and swallowed. The liquid was bitter. "Ummm... wonderful." She grimaced.

Taryn shook her head, "You're such a liar." She blushed when she remembered whom she was talking to. "I'm sorry."

Jace looked at Taryn, she could feel the atmosphere shift between them. "No worries. I know you were teasing. I started it. Look, at work I am your boss and colleague. But out of work, well maybe we could try and be friends or something."

Taryn was astonished. She hadn't expected those words to ever leave Jace's lips. She liked the idea of being Jace's friend, but she wasn't quite sure what Jace meant by the 'or something' comment. "Okay. Sounds good to me. Are you having fun?"

"It's pleasant." Jace wasn't sure where to go with the conversation. She didn't even know why she'd offered her friendship to Taryn. She just reminded Jace of someone else. "So tell me a little about yourself." Taryn froze as she heard the words. She hated when conversations centered around her past. Jace noticed the blonde stiffen as she said the words. "I'm not asking for a whole blow by blow account, just a little more, Jane tells me it's what friends do. They exchange information."

Taryn grinned. She had heard little tidbits from her aunt over the past few Monday nights about her boss. Nothing too deep but when Jane wasn't thinking, her frustrations about her boss's reclusive nature sometimes caused Jane to vent. "My name is Taryn Meghan Murphy. A true Irish name. My mother was born in Ireland and moved to America when her parents came here searching for fortune. They moved back about ten years later but my mother stayed. She got pregnant with me and decided I'd have more of a life in America than in the little village in Ireland. I did my undergraduate in education, and began teaching in Randolph. Unfortunately, my mother became very ill and decided to move back to Ireland. I followed as she needed more help than she'd ever admit to me." Taryn took a gulp of her beer. Why am I telling her this? I could have just said the basic. God it hurts to remember. "I took a teaching job at the local town and nursed my mother. She died a few years later, in August of 1998. I stayed on for a while, and then moved back over here to do my Master's."

"I'm sorry." Jace put her hand on Taryn's leg. Heart to hearts weren't her strong point and she longed for Jane to come over and take control of the situation. She sensed Taryn was on the edge of an emotional meltdown. "I didn't mean to upset you."

Taryn smiled meekly, "You did nothing wrong. It just never seems to get better."

Jace squeezed Taryn's leg, "It does in time. Trust me."

Taryn looked into Jace's eyes and saw a pain that mirrored her own. "Anyway, I moved back to the US and met Marti. We've been together since then."

Jace felt that stab of jealousy again. "True love, huh?"

Taryn shrugged, "Who knows. So what about you? Fair's fair. Remember friends share information." She looked out and caught her aunt staring at them. She waved to her.

"Well as you can tell from the name, my family isn't native to America. I was born in Greece, thirty-five years ago. My mama and papa stayed in Greece, but I wanted more. I didn't want to live the typical life that a woman gets to have on a small island in the Aegean Sea. My mother's sister had moved to America after the Second World War, and as my cousins grew and flew the nest, she offered to take me in. She gave me a chance at an education. Neither mama nor papa was happy, but they let me go. I did my undergraduate degree in California and then applied to Boston University for my Master's, I stayed on and did my Doctorate there, too. I would occasionally go back to the islands but my papa was not a happy man. My mama was happy that I had made something of myself and she gave me her blessing." Jace took a deep breath. "She died a few years ago, too. Cancer. I didn't get home in time to see her." Jace felt a hand on her leg. She smiled. It was the same show of comfort she had given Taryn. "So, I think we have a few things in common. Taryn, if you ever want to talk more about your mother, I'll always listen."

"Any husband? Or significant other?" Taryn asked.

Jace looked at Taryn, "No." She looked at her watch. "It's time for me to be making tracks soon. Have you given my offer of extra work any thought?"

Taryn returned the look. Jace's eyes were so blue. Even in the light of the bar, she could feel the penetrating gaze. She had thought about the offer and had been ready to turn it down. But something about the evening was beginning to make her reconsider. She had seen a side to Jace that she hadn't seen before. A side of Jace that her Auntie Jane obviously had seen and Taryn wanted to know more. She knew a two-month gap away from the tall, mysterious woman would bring the walls back up. Taryn didn't want to see that happen. There was something about Jace that intrigued her.

Jace didn't even realize she was holding her breath. She sent a silent prayer upward toward the heavens to whichever god was looking down on her. She hoped they were listening.

Taryn took one more look at Jace and then held out her hand, "You have a deal. I'd be delighted to slave the summer away with you!" I'll deal with Marti later. Hopefully, she'll forgive me.

Chapter 3

Marti had not been happy when Taryn had told her about her plans to work the summer. Their heated words had lasted well into the night and the following morning. Taryn knew she had to try and work out a compromise if she ever wanted Marti to talk to her again. Her thoughts were interrupted by a delightful squeal coming her way.

"Ryn, Ryn, I did it." Taryn looked up as Taylor ran toward her.

"What did you do, honey?" The look on Taylor's face was priceless.

The seven year old placed a sheet of paper in front of her. "I got an A! Mrs. Lopez said she was really proud of me. I was the only one who got a hundred out of a hundred on my math test. I showed her the trick you taught me with the nine times table."

Taryn pulled the young boy into a hug. She knuckle rubbed his head and kissed his neck. "I'm proud of you, too. Did you show your mom?"

The boy nodded. "She gave me a cookie, and one for you." He opened his sweaty little palm and revealed two crushed cookies.

"Thank you. What are we working on tonight? I bet you're excited that school ends this week?" She giggled as the brown eyes widened in surprise. "You hadn't forgotten had you?" She tussled his hair.

"Reading. I have to do thirty minutes of reading, and work on my spellings." Taylor ran back toward the kitchen. He returned with a book and scrap of paper.

"Okay, handsome, tell me about the story." For the next hour Taryn and Taylor worked on his reading and spellings. Taryn had developed various strategies to keep Taylor interested. They played games and did some writing with his words. The boy seemed truly engaged with the process, and with his older cousin.

Jane had just returned from putting the kids to bed. She'd left Josie watching a film in bed and had made her daughter promise to turn it off when the timer she had set beeped. "Taylor really is enjoying spending time with you, Ryn." Jane had been just as excited about Taylor's A as he had been.

Taryn pushed her spaghetti around on the dish. She remembered the first meeting with Taylor. He had been shy at first. His memory of Taryn limited to the reminders his mother had given him. Josie had bounded into Taryn's arms and had immediately scolded her for staying away for so long. Taylor had been unwilling to work on his homework while Jane was in the room but as soon as they were left alone, the pair struck up a buddy system. "He's a good kid, Jane. Has he been for testing? I think he may have a processing problem."

Jane shook her head. "Not yet. They've mentioned it. His teachers were initially concerned that he was attention seeking in the classroom. It coincided with Tom's birth. That year was a mess. Taylor spent more time out of the classroom than in. He's been a little better this year, but they feel that crucial first year affected him. He seems to be missing the foundations. They suggested we get him a tutor and make him feel like he was getting more attention. It's one of the reasons I wanted you to do it. We have plenty of education students around college, but I wanted someone that would want to be with Taylor. He gets really excited when he knows you're coming, and I appreciate the extra time you give to him."

Taryn blushed, "He's my cousin, and I love him. The kids shouldn't have to miss out on knowing their cousin because I was an asshole."

Jane banged the counter top making Taryn jump. "You are not the asshole, Taryn! I'm sorry you felt you had to stay away but I don't blame you. I am grateful that you thought of others before yourself. I keep thinking he'll change, but I don't think he ever will."

"How has my return affected the atmosphere here? Does he know I'm back?" Taryn asked.

Jane sat down on the stool and rubbed her hand over her face. She was tired of all the arguing, tired of all the remarks. She nodded. "Bill told him. We didn't want the children to have to lie and we knew we'd be living on a time bomb if we did."

"How'd he take it?" Taryn didn't know why she asked. She really shouldn't care anymore.

"Went out and got trashed. Bad mouthed us all. He told me I had no loyalty to family and dictated when you could visit. Besides that, it's been a blast." Jane was about to continue, but the slamming of the front door interrupted her. Fear gripped her and she saw the same fear reflected in Taryn's eyes. "It's him!"

"Shh. Go...into the dining room." Jane jumped up from the stool and went into the hallway. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the tall figure of her colleague. "God, you scared me!"

Jace looked at the ashen face of her friend. "Sorry." She replied sheepishly. "I tried to knock but the sodas were slipping. You always tell me to just come on in. I'm sorry I should have knocked. Am I interrupting something? Are you okay? You look pale."

It took Jane a few moments to regain her momentum. When she did, she noticed that Jace was straining to keep the trays of soda steady. "Here let me help." She took a tray off Jace and walked back to the kitchen. "I wasn't expecting company."

Jace placed the soda on the counter top. She looked at the two dishes on the counter. "I'm sorry, did I interrupt dinner? Is Bill around?"

Jane was in a panic. She had been meaning to tell Jace about Taryn but hadn't managed to say anything. She'd mentioned it to Taryn a few times, but Taryn had suggested they keep it quiet. Jane had no idea how to explain Taryn's presence in her house. "No, I'd just finished."

Jace returned her gaze to the two dishes. "Were you hungry?" She indicated the two servings of food.

"No, Taylor's tutor is here." Jane said.

Jace looked puzzled. "A tutor?"

Jane looked up and saw Taryn in the doorway of the hall. Taryn had heard most of the conversation and had moved quietly through the dining room and back tracked until she arrived at the door to the kitchen that lead into the hallway. She'd grabbed Taylor's reading book on her way. "Jane, here's his book. Hi, Jace." Taryn smiled as she took her stool and continued to eat.

Good thinking, Ryn. "Taryn, I was just telling Jace about you tutoring Taylor."

Jace felt uncomfortable. There was something about Taryn and Jane being together that made the hairs on the back of her neck prickle. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude. I just saw the sodas on special at Shaw's and decided to bring them over for Wednesday. I'll go."

"You don't have to go, Jace. Stay. Pull up a chair. There's plenty of pasta left." Jane looked at Taryn. "I asked Taryn to stay later than usual, as I wanted to discuss Taylor's reading with her." She filled another bowl with pasta and was relieved when she heard the cries of Tom. "Let me just go and see what the little guy wants."

The silence in the room was deafening. Taryn was trying to work out what to say to Jace. She felt bad for her aunt. She was the one that had requested the cloak and dagger scenario. Jane had begged her to tell Jace about their relationship after Friday's night out. Jane had seen Jace relax with Taryn, and had been surprised when Taryn had made a comment about Jace's mother being dead. Both women seemed to let out a sigh of relief when Jane appeared with a grumpy child in her arms.

"I have no idea what's wrong with him. I think he senses his Auntie Jace is around." She grinned as Tom leaned towards the tall brunette. Jace put down her fork and opened her arms.

"How's my boy?" Jace cuddled the boy to her.

"Hurts Dantie Dace." The little child pointed to the gums of his mouth. Jace looked at his mother.

"The canines are coming through. His are a little later than the others were. Here I have some teething gel in the fridge." Jane moved to the other side of the room and saw Taryn trying to stifle a giggle. "Here you go, Jace. This should settle him."

Jace took the tube and placed a small amount on her finger. She placed the finger inside Tom's mouth. As he settled into her arms she caught the gaze of both the other women at the table. "What?" she asked.

Jane laughed, "Nothing. You just look so good with him. No one would ever guess that in the day time you're this mean and nasty warrior, and by night you turn into Mary Poppins."

Taryn couldn't help but laugh. "You read my mind A...Jane." She sent an apologetic look Jane's way.

"Hey, I'm his godmother. I should be allowed to turn to mush when he's in my vicinity." She kissed the boy's head as he snuggled into her body. It felt so right holding him. She caught Taryn's eye and smiled.

Taryn's stomach fluttered. The look of contentment and relaxation on Jace's face made her look so beautiful. Taryn had admired Jace's beauty before, but it had been fleeting. She'd never given Jace a second thought, though she had to admit that Jace was stunning. Taryn swallowed as desire began to replace the fluttering inside. Hello, Earth to Taryn! What are you thinking? She's your boss! She's your aunt's boss and friend! Reality check! Reality check! Taryn shook her head to rid the images of Jace from her mind. Jace was holding Tom so tenderly, and it made her she realized that she had missed out on knowing her little cousin. She had missed being the person he wanted when he was hurting. Tears came to her eyes. She looked up when she felt Jane's hand on her arm. "Are you okay?"

Jace looked from the older woman to the younger. She'd noticed Jane's habit of touching Taryn. Her mind replayed the past month over and she realized she had caught Taryn and Jane together a few times. They always appeared to be either talking heatedly, on the verge of tears or had a guilty expression on their face. She could see the tenderness in Jane's face as she asked Taryn the question. It looked like love. Shit. Jane's in love with Taryn. No! What about Bill? The kids? She pulled Tom closer to her and saw he had fallen asleep. She needed to get out of the room and think. There was no way Taryn could continue to work in the Center if her suspicions were true. She'd also have to discipline Jane. She stood hurriedly. "Umm...I'll take the little guy upstairs."

Jane nodded at Jace. Her mind was fixed on her niece. There was a pain in her eyes. Something had happened in those last few moments that had driven the sparkle from Taryn's beautiful, soulful eyes. "Are you okay?" Jane repeated.

Taryn nodded her head. "Yeah. I'm sorry. Just seeing Jace comfort Tom made me realize what I've been missing out on. You're my only family." She looked into her aunt's eyes. "I think I should leave before I make a scene. I think we just blew our secret though."

"What?" Jane asked.

"I think Jace knows something is up. Jane, look where your hand is! I think it's time to tell her before she finds out from the kids. I'd stay, but I think she'd rather hear it from you and it might make it easier. If I have to look elsewhere for an assistantship I will. I just hope she doesn't punish you, too."

"I'll tell her. What should I say?"

Taryn thought for a second. "Tell her what you think she needs to know. There's no need giving her all the sordid details"

"Okay, honey. Drive safely. I love you, Taryn."

"Love you, too, Jane" Taryn hugged Jane to her, and kissed her on the cheek. She looked up and met an icy blue gaze.

Jace stood in the doorway and watched Taryn go by her. She loves her. They love each other. Oh god, what's Bill going to do when he finds out? His wife is a lesbian! My best friend is gay!

Jane watched the myriad of expressions cross Jace's face. "Did he stay asleep?" Jace nodded in response. "Jace, come and sit down I have something to tell you."

Jace's temper was simmering close to boiling point. She tried counting to ten but it didn't seem to be working. "What the hell is going on, Jane? You love her? What about Bill? What about the kids? Not to mention the fact that she's a student and an employee. What are you thinking? It's clear you're not thinking. You love her?" Jace paced back and forth across the kitchen. "I can't believe you'd be so reckless. Shit, I can't believe I didn't notice what was happening right in front of my eyes. Shit! You love her?"

"Jace, will you calm down and quit shouting. You'll wake the children. Yes, I love her. But it's not what you think. If you sit down and stop asking questions I'll tell you. It's not what you're thinking." Jane followed Jace across the room, and for an instant she thought the taller woman was going to bolt. "Please."

The imploring tone pulled Jace out of her fury. She looked at the woman who she admired, "I'll listen but this better be good." She spat out.

"Come sit over here." Jane patted the stool next to her.

Jace shook her head, "I'm fine here. Begin."

The terseness of Jace's voice made Jane shiver. She had never had Jace's anger aimed toward her. She realized in that moment why Jace was such an effective leader. No one dared cross this woman. "Taryn's my niece." That simple statement seemed to pull Jace closer to her.

"Your niece? Hold on a minute. I've been to all your family parties for the past few years and I've never heard any mention her name. Why would Bill's mother not have mentioned her granddaughter to me at Christmas or Thanksgiving? I'm a little lost here, Jane. Why all the secrecy?" Against her previous decision she sat next to Jane. "I thought we were friends."

Jane rubbed Jace's shoulder. "We are. Taryn's not related to Bill's family. She's part of mine."

"I don't understand. You're not old enough to be her aunt. She's your niece?" Jace looked into Jane's hurt eyes. Such deep brown soulful looking eyes and then it hit her. The eyes. She could see Taryn's eyes in Jane. The same eyes that seemed to be haunting her since the night in the bar were right in front of her. "She looks like you. Now I see it. She has your eyes. I knew there was something familiar about her when we met. I just couldn't put my finger on it. I still don't understand. Patrick's never mentioned her, and you don't have any photos of her." Jace knew she had to stop talking if she ever wanted to find out the truth but she wasn't sure if she even wanted to know. It hurt her to think her friend had misled her. "I bet Taryn and you had a good laugh behind my back about this."

Jane was hurt by the comment. She knew Jace was just trying to regain her momentum, and she didn't blame the younger woman for feeling bitter. "No, Jace. If you must know, I've barely slept this past month. I wanted to tell you, but each day something would come up and I would miss my opportunity. Plus, Taryn asked me to wait a little longer. She wanted to gain recognition for her work, not because she was related to me. I'm sorry I kept it from you, and I'll understand if you want me to hand in my resignation. I let you down." Jane wiped a tear from her cheek.

The dark haired woman shook her head. She replayed all that Jane had said. She tried to remember what Taryn had said at the bar. She still didn't get the whole picture. "I am hurt by this. I always valued your trust and honesty." She saw Jane physically wince as she said the words. "But because of this, I know there has to be a genuine reason for this deception. I agree with Taryn's assessment of keeping the relationship quiet from the other members of staff initially, but I think I had a right to know. There is a certain amount of conflict involved."

"I know, Jace. That's why I placed her with you and why I was particularly insistent that you kept her with you. I guess my personal need to see Taryn overrode my professional needs. Although she has out performed the other grad assistants." Jane responded.

There was another awkward silence as Jace reviewed what she should say or do next. "You just said your personal need to see Taryn. Couldn't you just have her around the house?"

Jane shook her head and began to cry in earnest. "God, I wish I could. We were such good friends. I let her down and now I've let you down." She dropped her head into her hands and sobbed. "I feel like I've been crying for a whole month. When will it stop?"

Jace got up from the counter and went for the Kleenex box beside the sink. "Here, blow your nose. Take a deep breath and try to explain what's going on. You haven't let me down. As for Taryn, I think you went out on a limb for her. There is a certain amount of protocol involved when employing a member of family, but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. At the moment, I'm more concerned about my best friend." She looked at the red-eyed woman. "Come here, there are snots all over the place." Tenderly she dried Jane's eyes and wiped her face. She kissed the woman on her forehead. "How about I grab us two bottles of beer, and we go and sit out on the deck? The stars are out and the moon is bright, just the right atmosphere for a heart to heart." She ushered Jane toward the door and collected the alcohol from the fridge. She glanced to the front door as she heard an engine rev on the driveway. Part of her wanted to run outside and see how Taryn was doing. The blonde had obviously been sitting out there the whole time.

Jane sat in the rocker and looked up as Jace passed her the beer. "Taryn just left." Jace said as she sat next to her friend. Jane chuckled. "What's so funny, Weston." Jace was relieved that her friend's sense of humor was returning.

"I've just realized what you were thinking when you saw Taryn and I together. You thought I was in love with her physically!" Jane laughed out loud at the thought.

Jace pouted. "Hey, fair's fair. Look at it from my point of view. I was a little shocked at the thought of you betraying Bill."

Jane mulled over what Jace was saying. They'd never discussed sexuality before and it was pleasing to hear that Jace was more shocked with her betraying Bill than the fact it would have been with a woman.

"I'd never cheat on Bill. I love him. He's been very supportive over the years. It's a long story Jace but I can give you the edited version. I don't think it's my place to air all Taryn's secrets without her being here."

Jace placed her arm around Jane's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Just tell me what you're comfortable with."

"My mother and father inherited this home from their parents, who inherited it from their parents. The written rule is that it's a Walton household." She looked at Jace's raised eyebrow. "I know. It was the standing joke in the family when the series came on TV that we were the original Walton's. Any Walton who needs shelter has equal rights to the house. Luckily we're a small family. My gramps and gram only had my father and aunt. She died in a car crash, and so the house became my father's when his parents died. Mom and dad tried for years to have children. When they did, they were both entering their thirties. They had Patrick and a twin brother, Sean. Unfortunately, Sean died in his first year from what would now be considered SIDS. Mum went through many years of mourning, and I think Patrick felt she blamed him. They never considered having any more children and were very surprised when ten years later I appeared. I think I was my mother's hysterectomy!" The humor seemed to lighten the atmosphere.

Jace reaffirmed she was listening by squeezing Jane's shoulder again. "Patrick was a wild child and grew into a bitter teenager. He resented my birth, I'm sure of it. He was very good looking, still is, and would bring many women back to the house. By that time, there was an uneasy truce between Patrick and my parents. Then he brought Penny home. He was twenty and she was just turning sixteen. She was beautiful. Red hair and green eyes and a soft Irish accent." Silent tears tracked down Jane's face. "Her parents had left to go back to Ireland, and Penny had stubbornly refused to leave with them. Patrick moved her into the house. Mum and dad were not happy, but they didn't have a choice. There's a legal contract that states any Walton can reside in the house, and make it a home. I think my great-grand parents didn't thoroughly think through the process when they set it up. It seems nice in theory to keep this wonderful home in the family, and offer it as a place of refuge. In reality, I think family values were stronger then." Jane paused and sipped her drink. Taryn had said she could tell Jace the story, but Jane still wasn't sure how deep to go.

"Anyway, one day there was a lot of shouting and screaming. I'd come home from school and found Penny with cuts and bruises on her face. Patrick was calling her names that I didn't understand, and he physically threw her out of the house." Jane took another sip of beer and wiped her face with a tissue that Jace held up.

"You must have been scared." Jace rubbed her hand on Jane's neck.

"I didn't understand what Penny had done wrong. She didn't come home for a long time and I worried that Patrick would hit me and send me away if I was naughty. I'd seen photos of Patrick as a baby with another baby. I thought that maybe he'd sent that baby away, too. I was ten when Taryn was born. I didn't know it then, that I had a niece. I was aware that something was going on in the house as Penny arrived back one day with a baby in her arms. Patrick swore blind that Taryn wasn't his. He still refuses to acknowledge her. Mom and dad believed Penny, and made her come back. Penny had no one in America and mom and dad recognized their only grandchild. Penny and I became very good friends, as I grew older. She was my confidant, as I was Taryn's. Sometimes I felt like I was trapped between the two. My loyalties were torn, as the age differences made it hard. Penny felt like my older sister, but Taryn was the baby sister I'd so desired."

"Sounds like a real life soap opera. So what happened? How can Patrick deny Taryn isn't his?" Jace was shocked. She'd spent many times talking to Patrick. In fact, she was sure he had flirted with her every now and again. Jace couldn't deny that Patrick had natural charm and good looks, but her feelings toward him were changing. How can anyone deny they have a child? Especially a beautiful child like Taryn.

"You just have to look at Taryn to know she's Patrick's. I think that's what pissed him off more. She didn't inherit any of her mother's traits. You've already mentioned the eyes, and she has Patrick's blonde hair. In this area, it's quite unusual for people to have brown eyes and blonde hair. In the early seventies, paternity tests weren't around. But as soon as they became available, mum and dad pushed Penny to get Taryn tested. Not because they didn't believe her, they did. Dad wanted to have the proof in a manner Patrick couldn't deny legally. That way Taryn will always have a home." She laughed bitterly. "The problem is, Patrick made Taryn's life hell and she can barely tolerate to step across the threshold."

Jace continued to support Jane, gently stroking her neck and passing her tissues when the tears flowed freely. "At least your parents supported Taryn and Penny."

Jane nodded. "They love Taryn very much. She gets on great with her Gram and Gramps. For ten years Taryn lived in the house. Unfortunately, as hard as we tried to make things comfortable for them, Patrick did not. His drinking increased, and so did his taunting and abuse of Penny. He finally succeeded in driving her out on Taryn's tenth birthday. I feel like I let them both down. I was in college at the time. I'd tried commuting for the first two years, but it was hard and Bill was in my life. In my junior year, I moved into the dorms. That left Penny and Taryn with Patrick's abuse day and night. Mom and dad tried but they couldn't be his watchdogs. In the end, they helped Penny pay rent on an apartment until Taryn reached eighteen. To cut a long story short, Taryn received a full athletic scholarship to college. My parents, feeling they had done all they could, moved down to Florida for health reasons. I think Patrick's bitterness wore them down."

"I never realized, Jane. You always seemed like a really close family to me. I guess you really never know what goes on behind closed doors." Jace said sadly, memories of her own childhood and estrangement running through her head. "What happened to Penny? I know she died, Taryn told me, but she didn't go into detail."

"Penny tried to live on her own but she kept coming down with a virus that made her too weak to work. Bill and I had married, and made the decision to move back into the house. There was no way I wanted Patrick to have this beautiful house. It's a big house and we didn't see Patrick very often. Bill managed to get Patrick a job on the building crew he was working on. I insisted that Penny move back in when we realized how ill she was. I knew if Taryn thought her mother were on her own, she'd drop out of college. When I got pregnant with Josie, Taryn was a senior and in her final year. She moved back in to help care for her mom. That's when the shit really hit the fan."

Jace turned to Jane with a surprised look on her face, "I'd have thought things would have gotten better. Taryn doesn't look like she'd let anyone beat her down. Did she ever stand up to Patrick?"

Jane nodded. "You're right. She stood up to him, but the pain of rejection still hurt her. Then she fell in love."

"I bet that helped the situation. She had a boyfriend to defend her." Jace's opinion of Patrick was not good. She really wanted to punch the guy out.

"No. Taryn was always different. She didn't trust men or boys as she grew up. I think she judged them all against Patrick. I'm not sure whether that had any impact on Taryn's choice of partner but she fell in love with a woman called Ann." Jane looked at Jace for a reaction. "I feel bad that I'm telling you this. She doesn't hide her sexuality but you're her employer and I hope this won't affect the way you view her."

Jace was shocked. "I wouldn't judge anybody because of their choice of partners. I hope I've never given you that impression."

"I'm sorry, Jace. I never meant to imply anything, but you'd be surprised how many people can change their opinion of someone when they find out. Even people you think you know so well." Sadness etched Jane's voice. "Anyway, Taryn had already told me about Ann. I can't say it was a surprise. Penny just wanted her little girl to find happiness. Taryn came out to the family. Needless to say, Patrick just had something else to taunt Taryn with. What hurt was Bill's reaction. He took sides with Patrick and made life hell for Taryn. Patrick couldn't ban her from the house but Bill made it clear that she wasn't welcome around Josie. He reinforced Patrick's view and I think that was the last straw for Taryn. At the same time, Penny got progressively worse and wanted to go back to Ireland. As far as what happened over there, only Taryn really knows the story. You and I had been working together for just under a year when Penny died. I went to the funeral, but Taryn didn't really talk to me much. I think she felt betrayed that I had chosen to stay with Bill, rather than follow her mother and her to Ireland. Taryn returned to America, but she wouldn't come to the house. She has visited her grandparents, as you know they're both in a home. It was mum that suggested to Taryn that she take me up on an offer of an assistantship."

Jace was stunned. "You never said anything at the time. It must have been during the summer vacation, as I don't remember you taking time off. I feel bad that I didn't know. I should have helped you."

"Don't feel bad. It was at a time when we were changing from colleagues to friends. I didn't want you to judge me. I had let my best friends walk out of my life without a fight. I was very lonely when I got back, and that's when I decided I needed a friend." Jane's tears came streaming down.

"I can't believe Bill would be so cruel." Jace commented.

"Neither could I. It has taken us a few years to work through it. Taryn and Penny were still with us when I had Taylor. Bill's attitude toward Penny was always very caring. Patrick would confide in Bill, and I think Bill knows the full extent of Patrick's brutality. But Bill's attitude toward Taryn was poor. Bill's mother brought him up as a staunch Catholic. His views of the world, and what's right and wrong, were based on what he'd been taught. His bigotry hurt the marriage for a while. I blamed him for Taryn and Penny leaving. I'd lost my best friends. The marriage was on rocky ground. To the world we appeared as a solid couple, but behind closed doors we were constantly fighting. When I arrived back from Ireland, I was wracked with guilt. I moved out of the bedroom and refused to be with someone who couldn't love people because they were different. We went to marriage counseling and joined a support group, which supported families of gay children. Over time, Bill's view of gay people changed. He's very embarrassed about his past behavior. Our marriage became stronger, and Tom was a result of our renewed love."

"I never knew. What kind of friend am I?" Jace hugged her friend. "I'm sorry, Jane. I wish I'd known."

Jane hugged Jace back. "You were my escape from my problems. I didn't want to burden you. I just enjoyed living in my little dream world, that life was perfect for the Weston family." The pair hugged again. They released each other when the backdoor opened. Patrick staggered through it.

"Fucking queers. Bill, I warned you!" Patrick leaned against the wall a beer in his hand. Jace leapt to her feet. Her fists clenched. She could feel Jane's grip on her arm.

"He's drunk, Jace. Ignore him." Jane pleaded.

Bill came through the screen door. "What are you yelling about, Pat? You'll wake the kids." He saw Jace standing in front of his wife. "Hi, Jace. I thought it was your car outside. I didn't know you were visiting tonight."

"She's doing my sister!" Patrick fumed, "I told you this would happen if we let that ...thing back in the house." He spat on the floor as if to get a bad taste from his mouth.

Jane couldn't hold back any longer. "Bill, get him out of my sight before I do or say something I'll regret." She stormed down the wooden steps and into the garden.

Bill watched his wife's back disappear and then turned his eyes towards the fuming, tall, dangerous looking woman. Her body was rigid and he could see the tension in her jaw. Her eyes seemed to burn through him. "I'm sorry, Jace. Let me just get this drunk up to his room. I'll apologize for him as he won't remember a thing when he wakes up."

Jace watched Bill struggle to get Patrick through the screen door. She could have helped but she wasn't sure she'd be able to keep her hands off Patrick's neck. She stood on the deck for a few moments and then went in search of Jane. She found her at the bottom of the garden. "Are you okay?" she asked knowing it was a really lame question.

"Still think I live in paradise?" Jane was embarrassed. She hadn't realized it had gotten so late. She knew she should have sent Jace home before Patrick returned.

Jace nodded, "You're still my hero. Even more so after hearing what you've put up with over the years. Is he always like this?"

"No." Bill came up the garden path and took his wife in his arms. "He's always liked his beer but hasn't hit the bottle until recently."

Jace looked at him, "Since Taryn returned?"

Bill looked from Jane to Jace. "You told her?" He felt his wife nod her head. He held Jane close and rubbed her back. "How about we go back inside and make some hot chocolate?"

Jace felt it was time she took her leave. "I had better be going. Jane, if you don't feel up to it, please take a personal day tomorrow. We're going to be very quiet this week. I know you have a lot of things to do before Wednesday. Bye, Bill."

Jane pulled away from her husband, "Go and boil the water, Bill. I'm going to walk Jace to her car."

The pair walked in silence until they reached Jace's car. "I think I will take the day off. Thank you. Jace, what's going to happen about Taryn?"

Jace pulled Jane into a hug, "Nothing. She's working for me and I can be objective, as I'm not related to her. Although you hired her, it was through me and I am her direct supervisor. I promise I won't say anything about what you've told me tonight. Now go back inside and rest. I'll see you on Wednesday."

Jane sighed, "Thanks, Jace. I wasn't sure you'd still want to come."

"I'm coming to support you and spend time with the kids. The fact that your brother's a jerk will not stop me from being part of this family." With that said, she hugged Jane and kissed her on the cheek. "Call me if you need anything." She got into her car and waved her goodbye to Jane.

Part 2

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