Tempus Fugit

By Mavis Applewater

For disclaimers see part one.

A special thank you goes out to my beta reader Mary.

As always this is for Heather.

Part Ten 1965

This was the year that Malcolm X was assassinated, the Watts riots rocked the country, Ed White became the first US astronaut to walk in space and LBJ sent more troops to Vietnam. We mourned the losses of Winston Churchill, Stan Laurel and Nat King Cole. Simon and Garfunkel introduced us to The Sounds of Silence, The Mamas and The Papas sang about Monday, Monday and Nancy Sinatra told us that These Boots Are Made For Walkin. And I met the most incredible woman.

Loretta Marino worked as a junior A.D.A for the district attorney's office. The first time I saw the tall, dark, curly haired woman I was assisting one of the senior lawyers with a case. I wasn't second chair; I was more like a glorified paper shuffler. Still actually being in the court room was a boost. Normally a lowly first year associate wouldn't even see the inside of a courtroom. Then Miss Marino waltzed in and I was positively smitten. For the first time in years I was really interested in someone.

Loretta was the second chair on a case concerning the son of one of my firm's wealthier clients. Little Donny Weber got caught with a stash of pot. Not a huge deal, but the police found a gun on him as well. Now that transgression really got Donny in trouble. The police had the over privileged booger on the ropes. The best we could hope for was a plea bargain. Not one of my favorite methods, yet in this case it was the only way to save our client.

The higher powers were dealing with the nuts and bolts of the case and I was day dreaming about Loretta. It was really a drag that I couldn't speak with her, opposing council and all that rubbish. Donny got off with a slap on the wrist and I finally got my chance to talk to Loretta. It was a short conversation, I said hello. She nodded and walked away.

My next encounter with the delightful Miss Marino was far more interesting. Once again we were adversaries. This time for some bizarre reason I was second chair. Perhaps it was because the lead council was Richard Rockwell one of the named partners at my firm. He thought the case was beneath him. True to big firm fashion he dumped the work load on little old me. When the trial began Mr. Rockwell's interest waned even further. I ended up picking up the slack and managed to get our client acquitted. It was Loretta's first solo trial and I managed to whoop her butt. Not the best way to impress a girl, but I did have a duty to our client who was a shady little stinker. Adding insult to injury not only did my boss take credit for the win, my dream girl Loretta hated me.

"That's her," I nudged Ron who had joined me for lunch at a little luncheonette near the courthouse. "Don't look." I scolded him when he went to turn.

"Then how am I going to see her?" He whispered sneaking a peek over his shoulder. "Very nice. Are you sure that she is one of yours?"

"Almost positive," I respond in a hushed whisper. "Of course the only conversation I've had with her was limited to, 'objection your honor, assumes facts not in evidence,' do you think she took that the wrong way?"

"Oh no," he shook his head. "Shaming her on her first case as lead counsel is the way to a woman's heart. Ellen, give it time. I wouldn't try asking her out right now. For starters if you're wrong, she could have you arrested."

"Good point," I scrunched my brow still watching Miss Marino eating what appeared to be a salad.

"What happened to the Swiss song bird?" He teased me.

"Sonya?" I shrugged. "It gets a bit tedious waiting for JFK to get fogged in."

"A stewardess. A tall blonde extremely hot stewardess!" He grumbled. "I really, really hate you. I can't remember the last time I had a date."

"Who has time to date?" I groaned. "We're working sixteen to seventeen hour days. With no credit I might add. My time with Sonya resembles nothing close to dating. It is more like I'm in Boston want to visit my hotel room? Maybe some day we'll have time for a social life."

"All part of paying our dues," he reminded me. "Speaking of which we better get back to the office or old man Rockwell will have our heads. Take one last look." He nodded towards Loretta. I released a sigh before following after him.

The hours I was keeping didn't afford any kind of social life. The closest thing I had to a social life was mooning over Miss Marino anytime I was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of her in the halls of the courthouse. One afternoon all of that changed. I was grabbing a cup of coffee before heading to the courthouse to file paperwork for Mr. Manning another over paid partner at the firm. "Miss Druette," her deep, rich voice cooed beside me.

"Uhm Miss Marino," I gulped accepting my cup of coffee. "How are you?"

"Good," she nodded politely before placing her order. "Unless, of course, you're on the docket against me today."

"No," I quickly blurted out. "Even if by some miracle I was, I'd only be second chair if I'm lucky. Today I'm just filing papers."

"Why is that?" She curiously inquired paying for her coffee.

"I'm the new kid on the block," I nervously stammered. "I only passed the bar a couple of months ago."

"What?" She gasped as we stepped out onto the street. "You're a rookie? I was trashed by some wet behind the ears kid. Well, that makes me feel better."

"I'm sorry," I profusely apologized. "Rockwell barely stayed awake during the trial, I had to do something."

"Don't apologize," she finally smiled. "You kicked my butt fair and square. I still say your client deserved to go to prison."

"Hey," I suddenly got indignant.

"No offense," she quickly retreated. "Have you ever thought of switching sides?"

"Excuse me?" I choked on my coffee. 'She couldn't be implying what I think she is?'

"Work for the good guys," she clarified.

"I am." I grunted.

"Are you?" She challenged me.

"Yes, I am," I sternly asserted. "I've seen the downside of what your office is capable of."

"Ah, a true believer," she grinned as we mounted the courthouse steps.

"Lady you have no idea."

"Well I'm due in court," she shyly began. "Perhaps we could discuss this matter further say over dinner?"

"I don't get a lot of free time," I stammered like a buffoon. "Rookie year and all."

"Yes, I remember it far too well," she offered with a sympathetic smile. "If you get a break," she added quickly scribbling something on her business card. "My number."

"Thank you," I felt ten feet tall when I accepted the card. Our fingers brushing ever so slightly sending a delightful tingle through my body. I felt dizzy just watching her walking towards the courtroom. I finally expelled a happy sigh before dropping off my paperwork and heading back towards the office.

"I got her number," I gloated when I passed by Ron's desk waving Loretta's business card for emphasis.

"You are evil," he pouted. "She's the enemy."

"She's hot and I'm tired of wishing for something that is never going to happen," I finally confessed.

"You can't have what you never asked for," Ron tried to reason with me.

"I can't ask for something that isn't being offered," I choked out my eyes welling up with tears. "Time to start living."

I waited an entire week before I called Loretta. I didn't want to appear overly anxious. My hands were shaking as I rolled the numbers on the telephone dial. "Miss Marino's office." A pleasant voice greeted me.

"This is Eleanore Druette may I speak with Miss Marino?" I politely requested despite the way my heart was hammering against my chest.

"Miss Druette," her voice resonated when she greeted me. "How is my favorite rookie?"

"Swamped," I giggled slightly blushing when I realized that I had actually giggled. "I do have an opening this weekend if you're still interested in breaking bread with the enemy."

"Friday?" She encouraged.

"Splendid," I beamed and we began to hammer out the details. During our conversation I couldn't quite get a bead on whether or not this was a date or a job interview. "Interesting," I furrowed my brow once the call had come to an end.

That Friday evening I decided to look my best without going over board. No need scaring the girl off. Plus if this wasn't a date, I could get into some serious trouble if I tried to cross the line. I decided to play it cool, test the waters and see where the evening took us. If the evening took a romantic turn, I promised myself that I wouldn't take a tour of her apartment. Not just yet anyway. I really liked this woman and this time I didn't want to rush into things. In the past jumping the gun had only led to insurmountable drama.

The restaurant she had selected was very nice, not overly elegant which only added to my confusion. It was quaint enough for a date and casual enough to be nothing more than a friendly get together. She greeted me with a brilliant smile, complimented my attire and led me to our table. Her actions were polite and friendly further confusing me as to just what the evening meant to her.

Over dinner we discussed our work, without going into detail since that would have been a major no-no. She did try to sway me into jumping ship and coming to work for her office. I flatly refused. I was vague about my reasons only explaining that I had a dear friend who had gotten a bum rap. We enjoyed a very fine bottle of wine; I was impressed that she always looked me directly in the eyes whenever she spoke to me. Her shimmering, dark brown eyes simply made me quiver. When dessert and coffee arrived we moved into more personal areas of conversation.

The dance had begun each of us testing the waters discreetly revealing that neither of us was involved without coming out. I hated the tango we were obligated to dance, just so we could know whether or not we were sharing a meal or on a date. It was the way things were. Unless you met a girl in a bar you had no idea. You could guess, even be correct and still land in trouble.

When the check arrived she insisted on paying, claiming that dinner was her idea. Check one in the date column. Then she suggested going for a walk. Another check in the date column. Except the walk was nice, even a little romantic and also very friendly. That one went in the I don't have a clue column. Along the stroll I suggested getting together again. She eagerly accepted. Another check in the win column. Until I suggested going out on Sunday. She had church. Okay she's Italian not a huge surprise that she's catholic. The crucifix dangling from her neck was another clear sign that she was catholic. Not a good sign. Even though the church was meeting to update their practices, I doubt same sex relationships would ever be accepted by the church.

It wasn't a good sign. I was prepared to throw in the towel and accept friendship when Loretta suggested going out next Friday night. Interesting to say the least, Friday night was then and remains to this day date night. Was she asking me out on a date? Or did she want to be friends or was she simply trying to woo me over to the prosecutor's office?

"Friday should be good," I tried to sound blasé. "I might be running a little late. I have a ton of work."

"It never stops," she sighed inhaling the night air before flashing me the sweetest smile.

"Thank goodness," I laughed it off. "Or we'd be out of work."

"True," she nodded the tender smile still plastered on her face. "So," she hesitated when we approached a brownstone. "This is my place." She stammered slightly.

"Oh?" I smiled leaning a little too close to her. I stood there waiting. She had that look in her eyes. The one that screams I want to kiss you. I happily reciprocated her glazed over look; waiting for a goodnight kiss, a hug or an invitation to come up for coffee. Nothing, nada, zippo. All I got was I had fun this evening and goodnight. She went inside and I hailed a taxi. Now that was a big check in its never going to happen column.

I was really confused as to what was up with Loretta. How funky is it that you spend several hours with someone and not know whether or not you were on a date? There were very few people I could talk to about it. Evelyn was one of those people. She had a date the night before as well and was up for a little girl talk. I went over to her place for dinner and conversation.

"You went on a date on a Friday night?" I taunted her while we waited for the pizza we had ordered to be delivered. "Do your parents know?"

"My parents still think I'm a virgin and Erika hasn't met the right guy yet," she scowled. "Of course I'd still be a virgin if I hadn't believed Simon when he led me to believe that he wanted to marry me. If my mother ever found out that I wasn't innocent and I went out with a Protestant last night she'd be sitting Shiva for a year. Now what's her name?"

"Loretta." I blushed.

"Good looking?" She pried.

"Extremely," I boldly smirked. "In a Sophia Loren kind of way. And what about your escort from last evening?"

"Wally and he's cute in a Buddy Holly kind of way," she furiously blushed.

"Buddy Holly?" I shook my head. "Don't get me wrong I loved his music but are you saying Wally has a square hair cut and big thick glasses?"

"He's adorable." She swatted me.

"That would be yes," I laughed. "And what does Wally do for a living?"

"Don't laugh," she begged. "He's an accountant."

"Oh those square points are racking up," I laughed.

"And Loretta?"

"She's a lawyer," I countered with a cocky grin.

"Sweet," Evelyn complimented me. "Does she work at the same firm? An office romance, very steamy."

"Uhm," I hedged. "No, she's with the DA's office."

"Oops," she cringed. "And you want to devote your career to defending criminals. Not to mention clearing the name of a certain old flame of yours."

"Accused criminals," I growled. "And I think I should wait before bringing Ginny up. Ron, among others, seem to think that perhaps the women in my life might stick around longer if I didn't talk so much about my ex."

"He's right. Still this does put you on opposite sides," she cautioned. "Very Adam's Rib. The lesbian version of Hepburn and Tracy."

"Didn't you find that movie a tad sexist?" I fussed thankfully that the buzzer had rung announcing the arrival of our dinner.

"I find most movies sexist," she scoffed as she answered the door. She placed the pizza carton down on the coffee table. "I'll get the plates and a bottle of wine. Maybe two then we might just be able to figure out our love lives. Where did you guys eat last night?" She called out from the kitchen.

"The Pier," I shouted in response cracking open the pizza box allowing the steam to escape.

"Nice, causal yet cozy," she complimented handing me a glass of wine. "Nice choice for a first date."

"If it was a date," I interjected sipping my wine. "And where did Wally take you?"

"Top of the Hub," she gloated plopping down on the sofa.

"Oh, nice," I gushed feeling a tad jealous since I had yet to visit the new restaurant that literally overlooked the entire city. "And bonus points for Wally. A bean counter who isn't a tightwad. Very cool."

"He's so sweet," she sighed happily. "He even brought me flowers. I can't remember the last time a guy gave me flowers. This whole sexual revolution is great but it is screwing with romance. Look who I'm talking to. You've never been a romantic."

"What?" My jaw dropped. "I'm very romantic."

"When?" She challenged me. "Ellen, you are one of my best friends. I'd trust you with my life but I'd have to kill you if you ever tried to date my sister. You, my friend, are a little too fast. Thankfully Erika met the right one from the get go. Trudy was her first and will be her last."

"Wouldn't that be nice," I sighed wistfully. "That's the way it should be. They met in college fell in love and walked off into the sunset together. What I wouldn't give for that first big crush to be the one."

"That's part of your problem," Evelyn chastised me. "For you, the first one really was the one but life got in the way. Ever since then you've jumped from one girl to the next. There was that string of girlfriends in college. I don't even want to go into how you bedded a woman in every country you hit in Europe, there was that chick who was a roadie for some band and now there's that stewardess who shows you her friendly skies every time she drops into town. I hate the way you talk about these women. They're nothing more than conquests to you. Except, the one woman who you never use some colorful euphemizing to describe your sex-capades. With Ginny it is always we made love. Ellen, I've met Ginny she's great. Having said that may I add it has been almost a decade. She ain't coming home. Not to stay. Which is why I'm thrilled to see you all gaga over someone new."

"I still don't know if I had a date with Loretta," I reminded her. "That is why I'm here and to figure out how we are going to tell your parents that you're dating a Protestant. Still they treat Trudy like she's family."

"They pretend that she's Erika roommate and she has her Ph.D so it's all good," she shrugged. "Anytime they can drop the word doctor into a conversation, they're thrilled. And she's Jewish."

"Speaking of religion, which I never do," I carefully began. "Loretta's Catholic. I found out when I invited her to go out tomorrow but she has church. I'm worried that might be a problem."

"Hmm," Evelyn mulled over the information. "Well, Jews and Catholics have guilt and a lot of uptight rules to follow in common. Other than that I don't know much about it. Still going to church might be a family thing. Does she live with her family?"

"What?" I shook my head. "She's got to be at least three years older than us. Why would she still be living at home? Then again she didn't invite me in."

"Another new experience for you," she laughed before digging into the pizza.

"You know," I snarled. "I am not the wanton hussy you seem to think I am."

"Hugh Hefner doesn't get as much tail as you do," she scoffed. "You do know that even in this day and age a lot of women our age are still virgins. Waiting for your wedding night has not gone out of style."

"Don't be ridiculous," I scoffed at the notion. "And may I remind you that marriage isn't in the cards for me."

"I'm not criticizing you," she defended herself. "Just at times it seems like you use that as an excuse. Erika and Trudy waited for almost a year before they were truly intimate."

"Wow," I choked on my wine. "Maybe I am promiscuous. No wonder Ron is always telling me that he hates me. Never mind. Back to Sir Wally. What did you do after he wined and dined you?"

"It was so romantic," she gasped. "We went for a walk, holding hands the whole time. He escorted me to my door. We shared a very tender and I must say very nice goodnight kiss. And we're going out again next week. What happened with Loretta?"

"Well," I grimaced. "After a very nice dinner which she picked up the tab for we went for a stroll. We did not hold hands. I walked her to her door and we did not kiss goodnight and we're going out again next week. So am I dating her? Or are we just friends?"

"Have you considered asking her?" She tried to reason with me.

"Did you miss the part about her working for the DA's office?" I grimaced. "If I'm wrong, trying to kiss her may only be a misdemeanor which wouldn't lead to my disbarment but I'm still pretty sure I'd get fired from that uptight law firm I work for. Loretta seems to be very zealous when it comes to her job. If she's not a lesbian and she finds out that I am it could get me in trouble."

"What?" She stammered. "I don't get it."

"Homosexual acts are illegal," I spelled out for her. "It is her sworn duty to uphold the law. As you annoyingly pointed out I've broken the law many times. And if she is a good Catholic girl, forget it. Swapping spit with another girl is a major no-no with them. Then again I have gone out dancing with a lot of girls on Sunday nights who spent Sunday morning in church. I really like her. So, how do I come out to her without landing in jail?"

"Good question," she scrunched her brow. "Still you went on a Friday night. And next week when are you seeing her again?"

"Friday night." I confirmed.

"Date night," she processed. "Well it is. You ask someone out on a Friday night it's a date. No straight girl would invite a friend out to dinner two Fridays in a row. Not if the both of you are single. Unless of course you're butt ugly and can't get a date. No self respecting woman spends two Friday nights in row home alone or chumming with a girlfriend."

"You have such a twisted sense of logic," I downed my wine. "And accurate. Everywhere we went, the restaurant and around the city, all I saw were couples."

"Because it is date night," she stressed. "I know you're use just sleeping with women and dating is a foreign concept, but this is how it works."

"So why Friday and not Saturday?" I tried to understand.

"Saturday is for hanging out with your friends," she explained to me. "Although dating on a Saturday is okay if you've been going together for awhile. Or you're still in high school."

"I think I'm getting the hang of this," I shrewdly surmised. "Even in high school if I went on a date on a Saturday it was with a group of people. On Friday it was always just the two of us. Humans are such odd creatures."

"No kidding," she laughed. "We go out on Friday and spend Saturday pigging out on pizza and gossiping. Isn't being an adult fabulous?"

"It's a freaking trip," I laughed. "So what you're saying is that right now Wally is out with his friends guzzling beer and talking about sports?"

"Absolutely," she confirmed as we polished off the pizza. "I can probably guess which bar he and his cronies are hanging out in. As for Loretta she's probably scarfing down ice cream with her girlfriends and talking about you."

"You're that sure it was date?" I eagerly questioned her.

"Except for the no goodnight kiss," she pondered pouring more wine for the both of us. "That's a little tricky."

"For half a second I thought she might," I confessed. "When she didn't I let it slide. I promised myself that this time I am going to take things slowly."

"Another new experience," she gloated.

"No," I playfully swatted her. "I took things slowly with Ginny. Kind of. Well, sort of. It's weird. Before I kissed her that first time, I swear I never really thought that much about sex. After that first kiss I couldn't keep my hands off of her."

"I thought Pandora's Box was opened after you made out with her sister," she caught me in my little fib.

"Right, the freak," I groaned. "Okay fine. After Laurie kissed me I started thinking a lot about sex. But it was Ginny who most definitely hit the on button."

"Still does," Evelyn sighed. "What happens the next time Wonder Woman blows into town?"

"If I'm seeing someone, Ginny never crosses the line," I explained. "She's very stubborn when it comes to that. Strange since I don't give a damn whether or not I'm involved."

"Because it would end your friendship," Evelyn smacked me.

"What? No way," I refuted.

"Yes, it would," Evelyn sternly countered. "If you end up getting serious about someone and hit the sheets with Ginny, she couldn't stay in your life. Your enduring friendship is amazing. And it is more than obvious that you care deeply for one another. A lover can look past that. Cheating and trying to remain friends with the person you banged on the other hand, ain't gonna fly. Would you put up with that? Oh, sure Honey go have dinner with the woman you had an affair with, I'll understand."

"Oh sure," I snarled. "Right after I set her belongings on fire. Wow, I finally get why Ginny was so insistent that we never cross that line."

"You always said she was smart," Evelyn confirmed. "Crossing that line would ruin your relationship. I still don't get why you keep sleeping together. Time and time again you've told me that the two of you had decided that you should stop sleeping together. Then she strolls into town and you're buck naked. What's up that?"

"I don't know," I grumbled. "We've talked about it and talked about it. The ship sailed. The physical side of our relationship is over. Or at least it should be over by now. Then one of us looks at the other in just the right way and bam we're making love. Whenever she's near me I feel like a junkie in need of a fix. It is always great and then she's gone."

"Ever think about asking her to stay longer? You know to try and find out if the passion would last more than a couple of weeks?" Evelyn sputtered.

"I can't," I spat out. "She's still trying to find herself."

"She's twenty-six years old," Evelyn scolded me. "Excuse me but finding herself shouldn't be a problem at this juncture. Never mind staying in one place more than a month how about finding a job that lasts longer than a week?"

"Not fair." I flared.

"Why because she has a record?" Evelyn tried to reason with me. "A lot of people move past that."

"A convicted sex offender?" I harshly spat out. "Being a lesbian is hard enough. Having it on your permanent record is hell. Ask Erika when was the last time she and Trudy held hands in public? Last night even if Loretta offered to hold my hand we couldn't. If we did some idiot would probably beat us up or worse. Sorry I don't mean to go off on you, but you don't get it. Last night you and Wally never had to think twice about holding hands in public. Granted if this is serious for you guys, you are going to have a major problem. It's not fair just because your Jewish and he's not people are going to freak. Well that's quite a soapbox I've gotten myself on." I finally blew out.

"I did give you a boost," she smiled. "I worry. Okay let's focus on the here and now. That would be a lovely ADA named Loretta, who you may or may not be dating."

"And a certain charming chap," I added with a nudge. "And how we are going to get your parents warmed up to the idea of having him around."

"Jumping the gun a bit on that one," she laughed. "I guess the both of us will have a better idea of what is going on after next Friday night."

The following Friday evening I was more confused than ever. Loretta and I shared a wonderful dinner at another cozy restaurant. The conversation was stimulating, I was captivated by every word she uttered. Then dinner was over and we argued about who would pay the check. I won by pointing out that she had paid the last time. I paid the check and then it was time to find an excuse, any excuse, to extend our evening. Normally I'd suggest going out dancing. Somehow I didn't think that Loretta would be comfortable patronizing an establishment she might have to have raided at a later date.

"I'm having a great time," she quietly confessed.

"So am I." I confirmed with a bright smile. My stomach was fluttering; my hands were clammy. All in all I was a mess. Oddly it felt nice to be all aquiver over someone. Evelyn was right; it had been a long time since I took the romantic route. Then again it raised the nagging question, was this romance or was I simply delusional? "I don't really want to call it a night." I threw out hoping that she would agree with me.

"Neither do I," she smiled blushing ever so slightly. "We could go somewhere for coffee?"

"I'd like that," I nodded still grinning like an idiot. Of course my mind was hoping that by coffee she was suggesting that we either head back to her place or mine. I wasn't eager to rush things. I just assumed that if we didn't have an audience I might have a better idea of what her intentions were.

"There's a nice place not far from here," she began to recommend once again dashing my hopes. "I just need to call home and let my parents know I'll be out later than planned."

"You live with your parents? That's nice," I lied complete with a fake smile plastered on my face. "You know my place isn't all that far. We could just go there?" I tried to sound casual. My thought process was more focused on being alone with her and since her place wasn't an option I tried for plan b.

"Oh, I don't know," she squirmed in her seat. I had seen the same frightened look in her eyes once before. It was when I nailed one of her witness during my cross examination. "Do you have roommates?"

"No," I cautiously tested the waters.

"This place is really nice," she blurted out. "And the desserts are to die for. We should try there."

'Strike one for the defense,' I shuddered before agreeing to go to the place she seemed so keen on. The tiny coffee house was nice. Again we shared a great conversation and true to her word the desserts were fabulous. Since I lived so close by she escorted me home. I felt giddy walking along side of her. When we arrived at my front stoop, we just stood there in an awkward silence. I bolstered my courage and leaned a little closer. She leaned a little closer. My stomach was fluttering and then she blurted a hasty goodnight. Before I could stop her she was darting down the hill waving her hand frantically for a taxi.

The following evening Evelyn and I got together to split a pitcher of margaritas and swap stories. "I can't believe you," I sighed happily. "He shows up with chocolates this time. Takes you to another fancy restaurant and hasn't tried to jump your bones? Does he have a sister?"

"No," Evelyn sighed happily. "He is so nice and let me tell you the goodnight kiss got very heated. My poor neighbors got a little bit of a show. Enough about my night. How was your date?"

"I don't know if it was a date." I whined flagging down the waiter for another pitcher.

"Still?" She gasped. "How is that possible?"

"I'm cursed," I hissed under my breath. "I love spending time with her. She's brilliant, witty and fun to be with. When we talk I feel like there's some flirting happening."

"And?"

"And nothing," I stammered. "She does live with her parents. So when she suggested coffee, I made the offer to go back to my place. The second she found out I live alone she nixed the idea."

"Maybe she doesn't want to rush things," Evelyn rationalized. "What about at the end of the night?"

"Nada," I scoffed. "I thought she might kiss me. Then all of sudden she bolted."

"Not even a hug?" Evelyn choked on her drink. "We hug."

"I didn't even get a handshake," I miserably explained. "Evelyn I swear, I'm not trying to put the moves on her. I just want to know if we're dating or not. Did I rush things by suggesting coffee at my place? If we're just friends that shouldn't have been a big hairy deal, right?"

"No," she agreed. "I don't know what to tell you. Maybe she was put off by your suggestion. If she isn't interested in you that way, but knows about you she could be letting you down easy. Or she is interested in you and feels that you're rushing things. Or she's insane. What did she say at the end of the evening?"

"Goodnight and then she did an imitation of The Flash," I woefully related. "Just before she ran off we were standing outside my building. I leaned, she leaned and I thought wow I'm finally going to kiss her. Then bam she was out of there."

"She did the lean?" Evelyn prodded with a curious gleam in her eyes.

"Most definitely," I confirmed. "She leaned in and I got that quivering feeling. You know the one you get right before you kiss someone?"

"I know that feeling all too well," she sighed happily. "Maybe she's latent? This could be a new experience for her. Maybe she's freaking out? You must have gone through that."

"Hell yes," I shivered at the memory. "I totally freaked early on with Ginny. All the questioning, what does this mean? Is it just her? What am I doing? I got over it really quickly."

"You were really young though," Evelyn theorized. "Loretta's what almost thirty?"

"Scary stuff at any age," I groaned resting my face in my hand. "What to do?"

"Leave it up to her," Evelyn suggested. "Do you have plans to get together soon?"

"No, she was too busy running to ask me out again," I grimaced playing with the salt on the rim of my glass. "You're right. I'll wait if she doesn't call me I'll have my answer."

Loretta did call just a couple of days later. I wanted to say no when she suggested getting together again. I thought perhaps the both of us needed a little distance. I was weak and accepted another dinner invitation for Friday night. I was a mess torn between being thrilled at the prospect of spending time with Loretta and confused as to what Loretta wanted. Another part of me was miffed that she never said a word about her speedy exit. I know I hadn't imagined it.

I did come to one conclusion. I needed to find out what was or wasn't happening between us. In my infinite wisdom I decided that one way to find out was to step things up a notch. Nothing major just not being so subtle when I flirted with her. If she was frightened or flat out not interested this would be one sure fire way to find out. I arrived at the restaurant just a little early. I sat at the bar watching and waiting for her to arrive. Now that was something I missed about dating the waiting for them to arrive. When Loretta walked in my entire body quivered.

"You look amazing," I complimented her brushing her arm ever so slightly. It wasn't hard, she really did look amazing.

"Thank you," she blushed. "So do you."

I was encouraged by her reaction and offered her a drink again brushing my hand against her forearm. She shivered, releasing a tiny gasp before pulling away. I acted as if nothing had occurred again encouraged by the fact that when she retreated from my touch she didn't appear to be offended. We sipped our drinks at the bar. I maintained a very close distance to her. Loretta didn't seem to mind. When we were seated at the table we began chatting. Then I surprised her.

"I really enjoy our dinner dates," I threw out casually while I pursued the menu.

"Uhm, so do I." She stammered slightly.

I didn't push; I just focused on the menu curious to see how she would react. "You know maybe next week," she timidly began.

"Oh, I can't," I interrupted her. I hated playing games. I was just out of options. Loretta was stunned by my announcement. "Work." I expanded. "You remember how it is. First year, big firm and nonstop paperwork. I've been lucky to get a little time in the courtroom."

"You're very gifted," she complimented me with a smile that never reached her eyes. "Your firm is lucky to have you. Still I remember my first year out of school. You work your backside off for little or no credit. Chomping at the bit for a chance to prove yourself. Doesn't leave time for a social life." She grimly concluded.

"It's not that I don't want to spend time with you," I encouraged praying that I had opened the right door.

"I understand," she earnestly offered just as the waiter decided to join us. "I really do understand Ellen." She explained after we placed our order. "I am surprised that you opted for such a large firm where you might get lost in the shuffle. You seem so dedicated."

"Money," I confessed feeling slightly embarrassed by my admission. "I wanted to go with a smaller firm but they made me an offer I would have been an idiot to refuse. I figure I'll put in my time, pay my dues and move on."

"Not looking for a partnership?" She shook her head in confusion.

"At Diamond, Rockwell and Manning?" I laughed before taking a sip of my drink. "I doubt they'll put a woman on the partnership track anytime in the near future. Another reason I'm not thinking of this as a permanent position."

"You could always come and work for us?" She implored with a bright smile. "My office has noticed you. Then again you are hard not to notice."

I stared at her for a moment pleasantly surprised that she was overtly flirting with me. "You do know how to flatter a girl," I purred invoking another blush from my companion. "Or are you just wooing me for your boss?"

"Hmm," she hummed with a bemused look. "Working together would be interesting. I think I'd miss facing off against you in the courtroom. I'm looking forward to a rematch."

"Pity that it will take sometime before that will happen," I sighed just as the waiter arrived with our food. "After all I'm still a rookie."

"Oh, I have faith in you," she softly murmured. "And I can be very patient."

"Can you now?" I quipped not bothering to mask my underlying tone. "What if you don't have to be?" I toyed with her leaning in just a little knowing that I was giving her a peek at my cleavage.

"Patience is a virtue," she gulped seemingly flustered.

I leaned back when I noticed the way her eyes were darting around. She seemed relieved when my breasts made a retreat. I felt mildly disappointed still I was bolstered by our earlier banter. 'How far should I push things?' I silently pondered. We dug into our meals the conversation still flowing easily. I flirted and Loretta seemed to be reciprocating. Yet I was still uncertain. Dinner was over and once again we fought over the check. She won this time. Then we were left sitting there neither eager to call an end to the evening.

"Coffee?" I suggested.

"Sure," she beamed pulling on her coat. "We can go back to,"

"Or once again we're not that far from my apartment," I cut her off.

"Didn't you like Franco's?" She stammered slightly when I stepped beside her.

"Yes, I did," I smiled touching her arm. "I just thought it might be nice to go somewhere a little less crowded."

"There are a lot of places we can go." She tried to sound calm but I felt her body tensing.

"True," I groaned guiding her outside. "Are you uncomfortable being alone with me?" I finally questioned tired of the game we were playing.

"Yes, I am." She directly answered me.

"Why?" I pressed just a little harder.

"I think you know why," her tone was soft and very frank.

"Honestly, no I don't," I confessed. "I'm not a stranger and despite what my mother says I do possess enough culinary skills to brew a pot of coffee."

"It would just be coffee," she stressed much to my discomfort.

"I think I should be offended," I scowled. "Loretta if I am simply a pleasant dinning companion please just say so. Frankly you are confusing the bejesus out of me."

"I don't mean to," she expelled a terse breath. "Ellen, I really enjoy spending time with you. I take the law very seriously."

"So, do I," my eyes lit up as I felt my ire growing. "Or didn't you notice that when I whooped your butt?"

"Oh I noticed," she offered with a brief smile. "I'm not talking about just the laws governed by the Commonwealth. God's law. I fear that if I am alone with you I'll give into temptation and sin."

"Sin?" I drew out slowly.

"I know you don't think it is a sin," she grimaced.

"No, I don't." I sternly refuted glancing around quickly feeling certain that I must be on Candid Camera. Having failed to find Allen Funt lurking around the corner I pinned her down with a stern gaze.

"I do," she sadly informed me. "I go to confession three times a week trying to overcome this."

"Don't get me wrong," I carefully began. "I'm not an atheist. I believe in God. Religions on the other hand, real big problem. Mostly because they were created by men to control others."

"I don't agree with your assessment," she trembled slightly.

I just nodded pondering what she was trying to tell me. It didn't escape my notice that we were heading in the direction of my apartment. "Ellen," Loretta's voice was tense. "I've been down this road before."

"Oh no," I stopped dead in my tracks. "I've heard that song before. Just tell me what the heck is going on. Whatever is troubling you, please just tell me the truth."

"You trouble me," she choked out her eyes welling up with tears. "I thought I had finally put my demons to rest. Then I met you. Ellen, what you don't seem to grasp is that when I say I'm a Catholic it isn't simply a label. It is a big part of who I am."

"Not all that you are," I tersely blew out. "Are you ashamed of your feelings?"

"Deeply," she stressed. "Father O'Malley said I was tempting fate by continuing to see you. He was right."

"You've discussed me with your parish priest," I meekly processed. "Wow. I thought being fodder for my old home town's gossip mill was bad. Now I got a priest gunning for me."

"Ellen," she laughed. "I accept my sin. I just won't no can't, give into it. When I said I had been down this road before I was serious. If we keep seeing one another things can only go so far."

"What are you saying?" I stumbled.

We had reached my building and apparently a breaking point. She just stood there collecting her thoughts. "If we keep seeing one another we can't sin," she slowly spelled out for me. "Even considering unnatural acts is a sin."

"Then I'm in big trouble," I teased trying to lighten the mood. "Sorry." I quickly retreated. "Okay so how limited would things be? I have to be honest with you. I really want to keep seeing you."

"Then you need to accept that anything beyond say holding hands is out of the question," she fearfully informed me.

"Beg pardon?" My eyes widened in disbelief. "Not even kissing?"

"No, kissing," she asserted. "No fondling. No making love or self gratification."

I felt my body sliding, reaching out for the rail. I found myself sitting on the steps. She sat down beside me looking as if she had lost her best friend. "Haven't you ever?" I blurted completely floored by what she was suggesting.

"No." She proudly informed me. "Never."

"None of those things?" I sputtered not knowing if I should applaud her convictions or try to talk some sense into her?

"I've desired them, which in itself a sin," she blew out. "But I've stayed strong. I know I'm asking for the impossible."

"Loretta," I shook my head in an effort to clear my thoughts. "I have very strong feelings for you. I know I can be faithful. Monogamy is something that I want. I honestly don't believe I can be celibate."

"It is a difficult choice, especially during these troubled times," she tried to comfort me.

"That's the problem," I reached out taking her hand in mine. "It's not my choice. You and I don't view the world in the same way. I'm a sexual person. For me giving myself to someone I'm in love with is a gift not a damnation."

"Well this sucks," she gave my hand a tight squeeze. "I knew it would end this way. Hurts just the same. You're right we don't view the world in the same light."

"And yet one of the nicer break ups I've ever experienced," I released a terse breath.

"Really?" She laughed before shaking her head. "It is. Most women just tell me to piss off. At least you listened."

"I really admire your convictions," I complimented her rising to my feet. "I just don't share them. We could never have a future and I've had enough heartache in my life."

"Ah, face it sex isn't the only thing we'd have fought about," she tried to comfort me. "I think criminals should be taught a lesson and you seem to want to save them."

"Innocent until proven guilty," I narrowed my gaze. "Can't wait to face you in court again."

"Should be interesting," she quirked her brow. Before hugging me tightly. "I need to go."

We wished one another well and she walked off. "I just have the worst taste in women," I grumbled under my breath as I watched her walking out of my life. Then I dragged my sorry butt up to my tiny apartment which felt much smaller and emptier then it ever had felt before. I kicked off my shoes. Shed my clothing and changed into comfortable attire. I began to pace around the limited space my home provided. I needed to vent. To talk to someone who might understand. I knew Evelyn was more than likely still out with Wally.

I continued pacing wearing a path in the carpet. There was someone I could try to contact. Someone who would understand my plight. Would she feel comfortable talking about it with me? "Only one way to find out," I reasoned picking up the phone hoping she was still at the same number. "Then again we've spent countless hours on the telephone talking about our menstrual cycles, why would she freak out about my latest dating fiasco?" I waited listening the ringing. "Hello," a gruff voice barked.
"Virginia Swenson, please," I sighed wearily recalling that she was living in a boarding house.

"Who?" The male voice belched. "Oh wait the quiet skinny chick? She's gone."

"When?" I groaned feeling thoroughly exasperated.

"Don't know," he barked. "A week, week and a half maybe two weeks? Can't remember."

"By any chance did she say where she was going?" I pleaded knowing it was fruitless.

"Tulsa, Phoenix some place like that," he snorted. "Who the fuck knows? Not like she ever said much." Then he unceremoniously hung up.

"Yeah, like she'd chat your ear off Bucko," I hissed while spinning the dial. "Hi, Mom."

"What's wrong?" My mother fearfully greeted me.

"Nothing," I whined not feeling up to playing yet another evasive game. "I was trying to get in touch with Ginny. You wouldn't happen to know where she is would you?"

"What happened?" Mom's paranoia continued.

"Nothing," I stressed. "I just want to talk to Ginny. Geez."

"No need to get huffy," she cautioned me while I rolled my eyes. "Did you try her number in Sandusky?"

"Yes, I did," I wearily droned. "She's gone. As to when and where no one seems to know."

"She must have gotten that job in Tacoma," Mom theorized.

"Oh yeah that's close to Tulsa," I growled.

"What?"

"Nothing," I groaned feeling completely exhausted. "What was the job?"

"Something to do with working in an office," Mom tried to explain. "Are you sure that everything is alright."

"Just business as usual, Mom," I tried to sound calm. "Look if you hear from her before I do, could you let her know I'd like to talk to her?"

"Of course," Mom promised. "Eleanore?"

"Mom," I cut her off. "It's nothing. I'm fine, the job is good and I'm eating right. I promise."

"Well alright," she begrudgingly accepted.

It took me another half an hour to end our little chat. "Bed." I finally decided that sleep was the best course of action. I'd sleep in and call Evelyn the next day. The following evening Evelyn was sitting in my apartment; her eyes glazed over listening to my saga. "So? Any thought?" I prompted when I concluded recounting the events that happened just the night before.

"You're right," she slowly began. "You are cursed."

"Nice to have confirmation," I groaned fighting against the desire to smack my head against the wall. "Last night when Loretta explained everything, I was impressed by her convictions. Now, I can't help thinking she's a coward. She'd rather live a lie than be true to herself. Am I just being pissy?"

"Tough call," Evelyn shrugged. "It was easy to follow my faith when I lived under my parent's roof. After a little time on my own I no longer viewed things in the same light. I'm proud of my heritage but it isn't all that I am. No more than you're just a lesbian or a lawyer."

"Oh, I get it," I nodded furiously. "What I don't get is if Loretta is that devoted then why didn't she just become a nun? Or again am I just being a big sleaze bag?"

"You're not a sleaze bag," she nudged me. "Well, not entirely. Ellen after only three dates are you that into this woman that you can see yourself staying with her even if it means forever forsaking any physical contact?"

"No." I flatly refused. "I really like Loretta but no. She doesn't even believe in solo flights."

"Excuse me?" Evelyn was taken aback.. "How does she handle, you know?"

"Apparently she doesn't." I shuddered.

"Work," Evelyn shuddered along with me. "I know that sometimes passion can dim over time, but not even a kiss? That's not a relationship, that's friendship. Not even. You and I share more physical contact than what's she offering."

"At least she told me now before we got serious," I blew out still trying to comprehend Loretta's logic. "I might have spent months buzzing around her like a bee with honey. You think I was pitiful before that would have sent me over the edge. I might have adopted a hundred cats and bolted my door shut until the next ice age."

"A little hurt now is better than being devastated later," Evelyn solemnly agreed.

"I did try to call Ginny," I mumbled half hoping she wouldn't hear me.

"Because?"

"I needed someone to talk to," I groaned burying my face in a pillow. "You were out. Sandy's probably in a coma and Ron well he's a guy. I needed some prospective."

"So you called your ex?" Evelyn howled. "Oh, I'll bet that helped."

"I said I tried to call her," I snapped. "She moved again. Mom thinks that maybe she's in Tacoma."

"That girl certainly gets around," Evelyn frowned.

"Mom said something about a job," I groaned. "With Ginny who knows she could be in Canada or Timbuktu. I won't find out until she swings into town or drops a dime. I swear sometimes it was easier when she was in prison. At least then I knew where to find her."

I went back to my life. Loretta and I would, indeed, meet up again in the courtroom. It happened much sooner than either of us expected. About a week after the break up I was summoned to Mr. Diamond's office. When you're an uppity wet behind the ears rookie being called to one of the big boss' office only meant one thing or so I thought. I assumed that I had made some grievous error and was about to be canned. I was so certain that I had Ron pack up my meager belongings while I went to face the lions.

"Miss Druette," he greeted me with a smile. Mr. Diamond was pushing fifty and was the youngest of the named partners. Another reason I naturally assumed that my days at the prestigious firm were numbered. "I understand that you've been doing a lot of the paperwork for the Marsdan case." He got right to the point.

"Yes, sir," I trembled wondering what error I had made and how much trouble our client was in.

"Good work from what I've been told," he complimented me out of the blue. These guys never complimented a lowly first year associate. Unless of course they came from an affluent family. Being the daughter of a small town barber I held strong doubts that any of the higher ups knew my name.

"Uhm, thank you," I almost fell over.

"I'd like you to second chair," he directly informed me. "How quickly can you get up to speed?"

"I'm on it." I stammered almost tripping over myself.

"Good to hear," he noted thoughtfully. "I was a little concerned."

"By?" I blew out feeling completely flustered by the turn of events.

"The legal community, no matter how large, can be very tight knit," he cautiously began. "The other partners and I would be displeased if we lost our shinning star to the other side."

"Begging your pardon, Mr. Diamond but what are you talking about?"

"It has come to my attention that you've been spending time with a member of the District Attorney's office," he directly informed me. "Two shinning stars sharing a meal more than once doesn't go unnoticed."

"Ah," I nodded when it hit me. "Mr. Diamond rest assured I have no intention of ever working as a prosecutor. As you must realize within our small community female associates are rare. Much like bonding with your male advisories, Miss Marino and I, in lieu of golfing together, eat together. Now and then. Without trading secrets of course."

"Understood," he nodded seemingly relieved. "Losing you would be like trading Ted Williams to the Yankees."

"Bite your tongue," I gasped. "No disrespect Sir, but even if he came out of retirement Teddy Baseball would never wear pinstripes."

"I like you more and more young lady," he gloated. "My secretary has the files you'll need to review. Get to work."

"Yes, Sir."

Sitting second chair for Mr. Diamond was nothing like it was for Mr. Rockwell who needed a nap in the middle of the day. William Diamond ran the show and I was there solely to assist. I did pick up on a few things that let the wind out of the lead prosecutor's sails. Was it wrong of me to enjoy punching holes in her case? Loretta's pious attitude during her opening statement really got under my skin. Perhaps I was just being overly sensitive. I know she must have noticed me slipping notes to my boss just before he tore down her rock solid case. At the end of the trial Mr. Marsdan was a free man.

"You just had to show me up," she taunted me after the verdict came in.

"Couldn't be helped," I gloated much to her displeasure as the client complimented my boss and ignored me.

"You loved it," she scowled. "Any chance you're free for dinner?" She offered in a hushed whisper.

"Sorry," I politely declined. "I have a lot of work."

"I only meant dinner," she quickly clarified.

"I know," I smiled keeping my voice low. "It's too soon."

"I understand." She sighed heavily before congratulating me once again.

About a month later Evelyn and I were staring at the latest addition to my apartment. "How does it work?" She questioned watching the lava lamp making red blobs.

"How should I know," I shrugged. "You said I needed to brighten up the place."

"I thinking more of, I don't know furniture," she shook her head. "Ellen, you have a mattress, a nightstand, something that barely passes as a television on a milk crate, a desk and a chair. How about bright curtains or a toaster? Something."

"That's something." I asserted proudly.

"No, Druette that is something else," she frowned. "I was thinking you could add a little color to the place. You've been in a funk ever since Loretta dropped the bomb on you."

"I've been working," I tried to debate the issue. "Yes, I'm peeved at her. Just once I'd like a say in my romance. I swear every time I fall for a woman it is on her terms."

A knock on the door disrupted my misery. "Hello?" I shouted through the door.

"Delivery." A gruff male voice responded. Evelyn moved towards the telephone as I opened the door.

Two men with a large box were waiting on the other side. "Ellen R. Druette?" One of them grumbled.

"Yes?"

"Delivery," he tersely repeated.

"Can I see the order form and your ID's gentlemen?" I requested keeping the door slightly closed.

"Geez lady," the smaller one griped. "We had to lug this sucker up four flights of stairs and now you're busting our balls?"

"Have you read a newspaper in the past couple of years?" I growled.

"Here," the taller one thrust the information at me. "Trust me the strangler wouldn't be lugging a new color TV up to your place. And they caught the guy last year."

"Come in." I sputtered after confirming their credentials. "A television? I didn't order,"

"From a V.W. Swenson Tacoma, Washington," the taller one recited from his paperwork. "Where do you want it?" He groaned as they moved the large box into my tiny space. The workman looked around noticing my limited belongings. "Not much for clutter are ya?"

"Over there will be fine," I snarled signing the work order while Evelyn moved my tiny old set that was resting on top of a milk crate out of the way. Despite their snarly attitude I tipped the delivery men. Then I just stood there staring at the large crate.

"I'm guessing she's in Tacoma and the job is working out," Evelyn beamed after ripping open the crate. "Sweet." She admired the large television. "Wait how long has she been there?"

"I have no idea," I shrugged curious as to why Ginny would splurge on such an expensive gift. "The guy I talked to was a little vague. I get the feeling it could have been a days or a couple of months. The folks haven't heard from her so it's anyone's guess."

"I hope she isn't near Puget Sound." Evelyn gulped.

"The earthquake," I stammered thinking about the events that happened only a week ago. I quickly scanned my copy of the receipt. "She bought it a couple of days ago." I blew out with relief. "After the earthquake."

"Which begs the question, why?" Evelyn curiously questioned.

A few nights later I would get my answer. I was exhausted working into the late hours yet again. I heard the television before I got half way down the hallway. "Anything good on?" I questioned her after I made my entrance.

"Come sit down and we'll find out?" Ginny beamed.

"Ginny I can't," I shook my head. "It's too extravagant."

"Nonsense," she dismissed my objections. "Think of it as my way of giving you a heads up that I'm coming to town."

"Ever think to picking up the telephone?" I fussed kicking off my heels.

"I was going to do that but the phone had a bit of an accident," she hedged. "The house fell on it. Sadly the building I worked in suffered the same fate."

"You were in the earthquake?" I gasped rushing to her. When I saw the news I did try to track her down to no avail.

"No big deal," she waved it off. "Not the first time. Although in California you kind of expect it. Not Washington. I'm fine, just out of work and homeless. So I figured I'd come and visit. Since I only watch television when I come back home I thought I'd treat myself."

"Oh so the big TV is really for you?" I laughed.

"Just a little," she shyly toyed with me. "You're getting in late."

"Work," I groaned. "The life of a young lawyer. I think I'll get a day off soon, sometime around 1970."

"Uhm, Ellen there is something I wanted to..." her voice trailed off when a soft knock on the door startled the both of us. "Too quiet to be Phyllis," Ginny mused.

"I am popular tonight," I gave her a smug glance. "Who is it?"

"Loretta." The voice beckoned from the other side.

"Uhm, just a second," I stammered. 'It's official my life is truly surreal!' I silently screamed.

"Maybe I should have called," Ginny apologized.

"It would have been cheaper," I teased. "Relax she's a friend."

"Uh huh," Ginny gave me a curious look as she stood.

"I'll explain later," I gritted my teeth before opening the door. "Loretta, hi. Come in?"

"I'm sorry to bother you so late," she began her words drifting off when she spotted Ginny. "Oh?"

"Virginia Swenson, Loretta Marino," I quickly introduced them shivering as they pretended to be polite when they exchanged greetings.

"Wow, I didn't realize that your apartment was so cozy," Loretta stammered never taking her eyes off Ginny.

"El has managed to add a little color," Ginny quipped nodding towards the lava lamp. "Next thing we know she'll be putting up black light posters and a bong."

"Gin," I quickly cut her off.

"A what?" Loretta quickly picked up.

"She's kidding," I reassured Loretta whose nostrils were flaring.

"Geez, Ellen what is she a Narc?" Ginny laughed her smile slipping away as Loretta's eyes bore into her. "Wait are you?"

"No," I turned to Ginny. "Loretta however is with the district attorney's office."

"Really?" Ginny fumed narrowing her gaze.

"Is that problem?" Loretta quickly challenged.

"Hold it!" I stepped in. "Now before this gets any worse let me say something. Neither of you has a right to be jealous."

"You're dating a cop?" Ginny huffed.

"Virginia," I scowled glaring at her.

"Sorry, reflex," Ginny threw up her hands looking truly apologetic. "I should go."

"No, I'll leave," Loretta grunted before storming out.

"Ellen, I'm sorry." Ginny winced.

"Look I need to find out why she was here," I quickly explained. "You are staying. I'm not dating her. I'll explain it when I get back. In the meantime watch television."

I threw on my shoes before racing out of my apartment. I caught up with Loretta who was fuming at the bottom of the hill. "Miss Marino," I curtly addressed completely irked by her attitude. "Mind telling me what has your knickers in such a twist?" She shoved her hands in her coat pocket refusing to look at me. "Loretta you show up unannounced at my home in the middle of the night and you're upset because I have a guest? Who, not that it is any of your business, is an old friend from high school."

"Friend?" She drew out slowly her eyes narrowing with disgust.

"Loretta," I tersely countered. "You and I want different things. You can't just show up and cast judgment."

"She's a felon," Loretta spat out.

"Oh, now that was one hell of a guess," I howled waving my arms frantically. "Want to share how you knew that?"

"I could tell by her attitude that she has a record," Loretta tried to save herself.

"Nice try," I scowled feeling sick. "I can't talk to you right now." I spat out before walking away.

I stormed into my apartment startling Ginny who seemed to be packing. "Put that down," I demanded. "I swear I have the worst taste in women."

"Uhm, thank you," Ginny sheepishly responded setting her duffle bag down.

"Three dates that's all it was," I began to rant kicking my shoes off once again and shutting of the TV. "And I wasn't even sure we were dating until we split up. I can't believe she had me investigated. I thought Connie was a freak show."

"Back up," Ginny pleaded. "I'm getting lost here."

I took a deep breath which did nothing to calm my jagged nerves. I shook out my hands while Ginny reclined on the mattress waiting for me to collect my thoughts. I held up my hand informing her that I needed a little time. I shed my work attire and changed into something more comfortable. Ginny ducked into the kitchen and made hot chocolate. When I had felt a little centered we climbed onto the mattress. She handed me the cocoa. I took a sip before I decided I was ready to speak. "Loretta is a lawyer," I slowly blew out. "We hit it off and went out a total of three times. After which we had a parting of the ways. Up until she pulled this little stunt, I thought it was an amicable parting."

"If you got on so well why did you date for such a short time?" Ginny tenderly encouraged me.

"Religious differences," I scowled.

"Yeah, okay," Ginny sputtered.

"She's a strict Catholic." I tried to clarify.

"So was John Kennedy," Ginny shrugged. "And half of Boston. Still not seeing the problem here."

"A very strict Catholic," I stressed.

"She couldn't be that strict if she was dating you," Ginny made the mistake of trying to be logical which apparently had no place in my life.

"She made it work for her," I groused.

"How?" Ginny grew flustered. "Forgive me but I thought that the Catholic Church demands that intimacy be reserved for a man and wife? And then that's only if you're trying to have a kid. Unless one of you was planning on converting, not just beliefs but body parts, I don't see where things were going."

"Neither did I when she explained her ideals," I starkly confirmed. "At first I admired her convictions now I'm not so sure. We agreed that we couldn't possibly have a future. We called it a day and I mistakenly assumed that we could stay friends. Until tonight. She knows that you're a felon. Which means she used the power of her office to check me out."

"I don't like the sound of that," Ginny sneered.

"You don't?" I huffed my ire returning in full force. "I can't believe she invaded my privacy. I thought Connie was possessive."

"Yeah what about that?" Ginny curiously questioned. "You told me that Connie was wonderful."

"She was until we started dating," I groaned. "After that moment I swear she would have followed me into the bathroom stall if she could have. I think, although I can't be certain, she was stealing my mail. After we split up she went to back to being a lot of fun. When I was her girlfriend I had to account for my every moment of every day. It really freaked me out."

"As well it should," Ginny sputtered.

"Enjoying your homecoming so far?" I teased finishing my hot chocolate.

"A blast as always," she snickered.

"How long are you staying?" I asked setting my cup aside.

"Don't know," she quietly answered stroking my hair. "You look exhausted."

"I am," I wearily confirmed leaning into her touch. "I'm working nonstop. I don't need the added drama of whatever Loretta's trip is. Plus I'm late."

"For what?" Ginny innocently asked. "What? You mean late, late? Uhm not to be rude but what else have you been up to?"

"Hey," I swatted her hand away. "It's stress. Trust me I couldn't possibly be PG. For your information if I am knocked up it's yours." I curtly informed her.

"How is that possible?" She had the bad manners to ask. "I haven't been around. Well not since my two day visit on the way to Ohio."

"Uh huh," I gloated. "And despite our promise that we wouldn't, we did."

"Breakfast in bed," she sighed happily. "Hey, how about I give you the rest of your gifts?"

"You're finally going to give me back my goodie bag?" I snickered.

"I keep forgetting that," she shook her head climbing off the mattress. "No, I meant some other stuff. My original plan was to ship this stuff out to you in time for your birthday. I got kind of wrapped up in things. Then the roof literally caved in. I picked up this fabulous bubble bath I found in a little shop in Tacoma. I have candles, incense and a bottle of wine from a little vineyard I found in Sonoma. Sorry I didn't have everything gifted wrapped. What do you say? How about tonight you let me spoil you?"

"Why are you being so nice?" I rolled over onto my side; watching her prepare my night of self indulgence.

"I," her voice trailed off. "I think you deserve it. Even if you did just accuse me of getting you in trouble. You might want to see a doctor about that."

"Pregnancy?" I squeaked while she ran the bath. "You're talented lady but I doubt that even you could pull that one off. I'm sure it's just stress."

"Then allow me to help you de-stress," she smiled offering me a glass of wine. "Sip that and I'll let you know when your bath is ready."

The bath was incredible, rich full vanilla scented bubbles and candles burning along the sides of the tub. Ginny kept the wine flowing while I sat back and allowed my troubles float away. The only thing missing was her joining me. Loretta's impromptu visit killed the mood for any romantic notions either of us might have been entertaining. I finally climbed out of the tub when the water began to chill. She blew out the candles and wrapped me in a towel. "You need a bigger bathroom." She teased carefully guiding me towards the bed.

"I drank too much," I murmured while she tucked me in.

"Just a little," she whispered climbing in beside me. "Sleep." She added wrapping her arms tightly around me.

I awoke the next morning with a slight headache from the wine. Still I felt completely at ease when the alarm went off and I discovered that I was wrapped up in Ginny's arms. I curled up lying half on her and half off. She was still sound asleep. I reached up tracing her parted lips with my fingers. I felt at peace. In a perfect world this is the way I would awake every morning. I glanced over at the clock the lateness of the hour reminding me that this is not a perfect world. I kissed her lips tenderly. I murmured softly when I felt her arms tightening around my body.

"I have to go to work." I whispered smiling when she grumbled in her slumber.

It was another long day. Somehow I managed to finish by seven that night. I tidied up my desk, grabbed my purse and headed out. I wanted to rush home knowing that Ginny was there. I had something I needed to do first. I knew she'd be at her office. Loretta was a bigger workaholic than I was. Back then security wasn't nearly as hard to get around. I made it up to her office without much trouble.

I knocked and without waiting for an answer I barged in. "Miss Druette?" She fearfully squeaked out rushing towards the door and quickly closing it behind me. I rolled my eyes miffed by the look of sheer panic in her eyes.

"Chill," I coldly informed her taking a seat. "I'm not here to cause a scene. I just want some answers."

"Ellen," she tersely began.

"Loretta," I gritted my teeth. "All I am asking is that you not lie to me. Did you have me investigated?"

"Ellen," she quickly back peddled. "I'm sorry but she acted like a criminal."

"The truth," I demanded. "Last night you called Ginny a felon. The only way you could have known that was if you peeked into my past. Did you?"

"Yes," she expelled slumping into her chair.

"What gives you the right?" I flared ready to smack her with my purse.

"It's not what you think," she defended her actions. "I just did a little checking. I wanted to know more about you after the first time we went out. I came across you're friend's name."

"A witness statement from almost a decade ago?" I scoffed at her lame explanation. "That's a lot more than a little checking into my background. A little checking is calling the bar association, asking around town. This is an invasion of my privacy."

"Hold on," she cut in. "That is what I did. Next thing I know I get an envelope in the mail with your friend's record."

"Right," I sneered at her feeble attempt to convince me that she wasn't duplicitous in this. "Who sent it?"

"I don't know," she mumbled digging through her files. "Here is the note that came with it."

"If you want to know about her check out the company she keeps," I read aloud.

"This came with it." She continued handing me a large file that was filled with copies of Ginny's arrest reports. "Nice company you keep. Attacking another girl when she was fifteen. Then beating up two women. She sounds positively charming."

"I want copies of this," I demanded scanning the poorly Xeroxed files.

"Excuse me?" Loretta huffed.

"I'm her attorney and I've been searching for these reports," I tersely informed her. "They seem to have a habit of disappearing."

"You're her attorney?" She dismissed me.

"Yes, you can call and ask her if you wish?" I boldly retorted.

"Let me guess. I should just dial your number?" She bitterly hissed.

"This is beneath you," I snarled thinking her pious attitude was nothing more than a sham. "If you wanted to know about my high school sweetheart I would have told you. All you had to do was ask. Yes, we were lovers. Yes, she stays with me. She also stays at my parent's house when she's in town. And despite what these files say she never hurt a soul."

"Of course she didn't," she groaned. "All the arrests and her time in prison it couldn't have been her it was her evil twin."

I smiled, I couldn't help it. I had come prepared. I reached into my purse and threw an old snapshot at her. "What is this?" She mocked me. Her jaw dropped when she looked at the picture. "She has a twin?"

"You should have kept digging," I curtly informed her. "I expect copies of this delivered to my office in the morning."

"This doesn't prove anything," Loretta stammered.

"Do I strike you as a liar?" I rudely cut her off. "If you read my witness statement from '56 you would have known that at the time in question Ginny was with me. Despite the rubbish Father O'Malley is spewing, just because we're lesbians doesn't mean that we are evil. I have one more question and again all I'm asking for is an honest answer. Why did you come over last night?"

"Doesn't matter anymore," Loretta choked out.

"Fine." I nodded standing. I understood, she had a change of heart and was going to try and work things out between us. After meeting Ginny she decided it or I wasn't worth the effort. "Send the files." I added before storming out.

When I arrived home my hand was shaking. It was too quiet. Absent were the sounds of the television or radio that Ginny normally blasted to keep herself company. As I turned the key in the lock I was filled with a sense of dread that Ginny had bolted. Instead I found her in the kitchen making dinner for me. "Hey there," she smiled taking my coat. "You're a little earlier than I expected."

"I wasn't feeling well," I confessed my body aching. "You did a fine job in helping me relax last night."

"Ah, let me guess," she sighed guiding me towards the mattress. "No more stress and your body finally fell in line. Put on something comfortable and I'll get you a hot water bottle."

"You're too good to me," I whimpered.

"Bad cramps?" She tenderly asked.

"Just starting," I confessed as I began to shed my clothing. "Timing sucks."

"Always does," she laughed. "Just get changed, crawl into bed and I'll bring your dinner to you."

After dinner I was curled up in Ginny's arms clinging to the hot water bottle she had kindly warmed up for me. We were watching something on television. I had problems focusing since my body was waging an all out war. I groaned when another sharp twinge assaulted me.

"Bad?" Ginny tenderly questioned massaging my scalp.

"Yeah," I groaned once again. "Can't believe I was anxious to get my period. Now that I have I'm in hell."

"Hmm," she murmured softly while continuing to caress my scalp. "Our bodies are funny that way. A little stress and we're a mess. I was late just once and it freaked me out. Just my luck it was right after the only time I dabbled with the male species."

"Oh my God," I inhaled sharply. "Were you?"

"No," she blew out with relief. "I wasn't thank the heavens. Can you imagine just sixteen and a baby on the way? I have to say Laurie and Tracy were great."

"Tracy?" I snuggled closer. "Let me guess your girlfriend at the time."

"Wrong again," she smiled. "Billy Tracy, although at one time he was kind of my boyfriend. His family happened to be at the Hamptons right around the time the both of us were questioning our sexuality. In our infinite teenaged wisdom we decided to try sleeping with a member of the opposite sex. It was a dismal experience for the both of us."

"Sixteen," I processed. "That was when you came to Cedar Hills."

"Just before." She sighed. "We spent most of the summer before that in the Hamptons after fleeing Oak Ridge."

"Oh right after Hilary," I put the pieces together assuming that Hilary had been her first. "So after sleeping with her you thought you'd give a guy a whirl."

"I never slept with Hilary," she grunted. "Ellen we were only fifteen. I turned sixteen right before everything happened. Granted Hilary and I were close but it never went past a little under the sweater action. We were much too young for more than that. What? I see those wheels spinning? Something you want to ask me?"

"Twice with a girl and once with a guy," I tentatively began. "I always assumed that you meant two girls. Now if Tracy was the guy then the girl was someone you met in the Hamptons. Just doing a little arithmetic."

"Again you're math is off," she grimaced. Her scowl informing me that she really didn't want to discuss this. "We needed a tutor to finish our courses from Oak Ridge. Enter Inga. She was a little older than us and even though I wasn't in love with her I allowed her to seduce me. I've always regretted that I didn't wait until I was in love. Inga and I carried on until the middle of the summer. I finished my studies and we moved to Cedar Hills."

"Finished your studies," I snickered before the words caught up with me. "Hold it. Then I was right the first time there was another girl. But that would mean you met her in Cedar Hills."

"Gross," she muttered. "I should have lied and said yes I only did it twice with my tutor. I should have known that you're much too smart not figure it out."

"Someone I know? Before you slept with me?" I stressed.

"Ellen it was ten years ago," she pleaded. "Don't."

"Someone I know well," I quickly deduced. "A member of the squad?"

"It was a drunken mistake." She insisted.

"Sandy?" I concluded not really bothered if she had dabbled with Sandy. "No wait, she was far too surprised that you're a lesbian. Who?"

"Does it matter?" She winced.

"Uhm, yes it does," I insisted. "Not so much that it happened with someone I know before we started dating, but I got a lot of crap after you went away. I'd really like to know which one of the little darlings was a major hypocrite."

"Margie." She gulped.

"The biggest hypocrite in the pack," I snarled. "The one who thought I should go to a co-ed college because of all the talk. My former best friend. I can't believe you slept with her."

"Like I said it was a drunken mistake," she snarled. "And for the record she put the moves on me. Afterwards we both pretended it never happened. I for one really wished it had never happened. The truly bizarre thing about it was I was hanging out with her that night to find out more about you. A couple snorts of peppermint schnapps and her hand was up my skirt. I swear I never saw it coming. Sadly I was too buzzed to say no."

"That bitch." I was furious. Suddenly Margie's snotty attitude back then made sense. She had played with Ginny and must have been terrified that someone would find out. Worse still being my best friend and both of us sharing a tryst with a girl could only mean there was something wrong with the both of us. "Ugh, what is it with these holier than thou types? Loretta, Margie, and your sister a bunch of high and mighty freaks."

"Well I'm glad we got on this subject," Ginny quipped with a desperate sigh.

"It is no small wonder that you enjoy visiting me so much," I snuggled closer; smiling as I listened to the steady rhythm of her heart. "With all the entertainment I provide. Ex-girlfriends, coming and going, Phyllis banging on the walls, the close quarters and the inevitable spat we get in. I can understand why you chose this as where you come to let your hair down."

"More fun than Mr. Toad's Wild Ride," she sighed cuddling closer. "Ellen, I treasure our time together. You're the only constant in my life. One of these days I'll get my act together and you can come visit me. I had hoped that Washington was going to be the place where I was finally going to hang my hat. Mother Nature had other ideas."

"You'll get there," I reassured her stifling a yawn. "I have faith that you will find that place you can call home."

"Hmm," she softly groaned her hands slipping down to my back.

I sighed my body relaxing into her caresses. Before I realized what was happening sleep claimed my weary body. The following morning I awoke alone. Ginny was puttering in the kitchen. I grimaced recognizing the look in her eyes. She was already growing restless. With each visit her staying power waned quicker and quicker. 'One of these days, she'll stop coming.' I grimly accepted wondering if when it finally happened would either of us be happier?

The ensuing days were thankfully mundane. Loretta did as I requested and sent over copies of Ginny's file. I was tempted to send her copies of some of my files. I wasn't ready to show my hand just yet. Still there was nasty part of me that wanted to throw the truth in Loretta's face. Realizing that I was just being petty I let it go.

For now Ginny was visiting and my body was feeling better. I just went with it. The only good thing to come out of my time with Loretta was that I learned that I could feel something for someone other than Ginny. It was a lesson I needed to learn. Each night I returned home to find Ginny pacing like a caged animal. She did her best to put on a happy face. The forced smile and stiffness that claimed her stature spoke volumes. It was time for her to fly.

By the beginning of the following week, I arrived home to find her scowling while she fidgeted with the rabbit ears on the television. "Evening." I greeted her throwing my purse and briefcase down. "Problem?"

"No," she snapped. "I'm having a blast and a half. One of these days someone will invent a way to get clear reception without having to play with an antenna. I just want to watch something."

"Anything special on?" I shrugged off my coat.

"I don't know," she grumbled clicking off the set. She just stood there staring at the blank screen blowing out a terse breath.

"That's it," I announced. "Get your coat. We're going out."

"Ellen, you're tired and you haven't been feeling well," she quickly dismissed the notion.

"And you're climbing the walls," I drew out slowly. "Did you get out at all today?"

"I had lunch with Ma," she shrugged. "She had to meet with a client in town. I got a two hour lecture about calling home after a natural disaster."

"Only two hours? You got off easy," I snickered only to receive a raspberry in return. "Listen, Grumpy get your duff in gear. We are going out. You've been stuck in the house, waiting on me hand and foot."

"Grumpy?" She huffed.

"What? Would you rather I call you Dopey?" I tried to ease the tension.

"And you would be Sleepy," she sighed her body finally relaxing. "Ellen you're dead on your feet. And you have to work in the morning."

"Big whoop," I waved it off. "Think of it as an early birthday present. I need to make a couple of calls and jump in the shower."

"Is anything open at this hour?" She whined.

"Yes," I smugly retorted dialing the phone. "You had better start getting ready or I'm leaving without you."

"Again, when did you get so pushy?" She huffed indignantly.

"Somewhere around the time I discovered playing with another girl's boobies was much more fun than playing with my own," I wryly informed her.

"And a potty mouth to boot," Ginny groaned searching through her duffle bag.

One hour later we were crammed in a booth at one of the few restaurants that would be open late on a week night. Boston's China Town never really sleeps. I made a few calls and Ginny was having her birthday celebration whether she wanted to or not. I should have guessed her upcoming birthday was one of the things dragging her down. She always seemed dark and distant around that time. The guests included Evelyn, Wally, Ron and Spencer had just joined us.

"I can't believe that we'll, I mean I'll be twenty-six in a few days. Positively disgusting," Ginny grumbled. "Thirty is just around the corner."

"Dirty thirty," Ron beamed.

"I can't believe you went to the prom with him," Ginny teased.

"He bought me a corsage," I shrugged snatching an egg roll from the Pu Pu Platter. "Although he did make me drive."

"Brute," Ginny continued to ruffle Ron's feathers. "Then again your wheels back then were really sad, Ron."

"Steal my girl and give me grief over my car," Ron scoffed stealing a glance at Spencer.

"So, the three of you went to high school together?" Wally shyly questioned.

Wally really was sweet, a bit on the quiet side still he simply adored Evelyn. "Yes," Ginny droned. "Ron was on the football team and Ellen and I were paper shakers."

"It's true then?" Evelyn laughed. "Druette was a rah-rah? I just can't see it."

"Are you kidding?" Ginny cracked a smile for the first time. "Little Miss Spunky Buttons was Captain of the pep squad our senior year."

"Spunky Buttons?" I choked on my cup of tea.

"That's what we called you," Ginny confessed with smug smile.

"You did not." I laughed.

"Yeah, we did," Ron smirked.

"No way." I snarled. "Who called me that?"

"Everyone," Ginny smiled slipping her hand on my thigh. "So, Spencer that's an unusual name for a girl." Ginny threw out before I could pitch a fit.

Spencer who had been sitting back watching the show tilted her head. She gave us a shy smile while tugging on her ear. I thought Ron was going to swoon. The guy was already smitten and Spencer hadn't said more than hello. "Unless it's not your first name," Ginny prodded.

"No, it's not," Spencer grinned once again. "You should be in my line of work you don't miss much."

"What is it that you do?" Ron eagerly inquired.

"I'm a private investigator." Spencer plainly explained without bothering to look at him.

"Wow!" Wally blew out.

"Yeah wow," Ron thoughtfully noted. I think everyone at the table knew what he meant.

"See Wally I do lead an exciting life," Evelyn teased. "Interesting people and friends who will go out after nine o'clock on a weeknight."

"I know I'm square," he meekly confessed.

"A cute square," she complimented him.

"I think I'm getting a cavity," I couldn't help teasing the both of them.

"So, Ginny when is your birthday?" Evelyn questioned.

"Our, I mean my birthday is in a couple of days," Ginny stammered shaking her head once again. "Sorry. I must sound like Three Faces Of Eve."

"I do the same thing," Evelyn laughed. "Confused the heck out of Wally when we first started dating."

"You're a twin?" Ginny blinked with surprise.

"Yes," Evelyn offered warmly. "Didn't Druette tell you? What was it you said when you found out? They follow me everywhere?"

"Something like that," I rolled my eyes. I released a soft sigh when I felt Ginny fingers raking up my jean clad thigh. I captured her hand and began to caress it. The night was taking an interesting turn. I glanced over at Ron who was staring at Spencer. "Ron?"

"Yeah," he sighed not really noticing that I was speaking.

"Never mind." I shook my head thoroughly amused.

"He's gone." Ginny whispered in my ear using the opportunity to move closer to me.

"No kidding," I snickered snuggling slightly closer. "Hey Ron? You remember Professor Larson don't you?"

"Yeah the guy was a pompous hard ass," he snorted his gaze still locked on Spencer.

"He's my uncle," she grimly informed him. "He and my aunt raised me after my dad died."

"Oh? Uhm?" Ron gulped his face turning a bright shade of red.

"Which is what I was going to say," I laughed at his expense. "So much for an ice breaker."

"It was a valiant effort," Spencer snickered. "So, Ron you dated Ellen back in high school?"

"Yes," he tried to regain his footing. "We went steady for awhile. Or at least I thought we were going steady." He couldn't help taunting Ginny.

"I saw her first," Ginny protested.

"No, you didn't," Ron argued. "Ellen and I grew up together."

"Fine, I asked her out first," she stuck her tongue out emphasizing her point.

"Oh don't start," I pleaded. "Every time you two get together I feel like first prize in a turkey shoot. Can't you two idiots just drop it?"

"Oh now we're idiots? Did you hear that Ron?" Ginny must have decided to torture me. She and Ron loved playing with me every time they got together. "I'm insulted."

"So am I," Ron huffed. "Just because you dated the both of us at the same time is no reason to get all uppity."

"You juggled them both at the same time? What in the hell were you thinking?" Spencer joined in.

"I plead temporary insanity," I threw up my hands in defeat.

"Tell me the two of you don't do this to Ellen every time you get together?" Evelyn laughed at my plight.

"Who us?" Ginny feigned innocence.

"Yes, they do," I growled. "It is a constant game who got to do what with me first. Ginny usually ends up doing a victory lap."

"Ouch," Ron cringed while Ginny wiggled her brow suggestively.

"I do have to say, Ron was a perfect gentleman," I added snuggling closer to Ginny.

"And?" Ron encouraged waving his hands frantically.

"And that's it." I tormented him. "Come on, the guy before you was Groper."

"Dirk the jerk," Ginny and Ron chimed in unison high fiving each other.

"Drove me crazy," Ron groaned. "I wanted to ask you out so badly and you kept getting back together with that knot head. For the life of me I never understood what you saw in that guy."

"Nothing," I began to answer gasping slightly when Ginny's hand slipped between my thighs. "Sorry." I choked out pretending nothing was amiss. If anyone at the table noticed they never let on. I think our companions were far too interested in one another than the shenanigans Ginny was pulling. "What are you doing?" I whispered in her ear.

"Misbehaving." She whispered in response; my body shuddering as her lips brushed against my ear. "What is she following you?" She sputtered jerking back suddenly.

All eyes turned after Ginny made her little outburst. "Son of a," Ron frowned when he spied Loretta passing by our booth. She never acknowledged any of us as she made her way to the back of the restaurant. Ron leaned across the table. "All kidding aside," he began in a hushed tone. "That's a little creepy."

"Wasn't that, Marino?" Spencer questioned with a troubled gaze.

"Yes." I answered with a hard swallow.

"She showed up at your apartment last week as well," Spencer stressed. "Before your little tit for tat did you run into her this much?"

"Outside of the courthouse? Never," I cleared my throat. "This is getting weird."

"Maybe someone should speak to her?" Ginny suggested in a foreboding tone.

"Don't," I cautioned her. "I will not allow her to spoil your party. Now I believe you and Ron were tormenting me. Carry on."

"Kind of takes the fun out of it if you give us permission," Ron sighed dramatically. "But since you insisted." He smiled brightly. I returned his smile thankful for his attempt to lighten the mood. "Or we could talk about who we saw at the office last week?"

"I forgot about that," I gloated my body surging with warmth when Ginny's hand returned to my thigh. "I can't believe he has a beer belly."

"Who?" Ginny encouraged her hand drifting along my thigh.

"Earl." Ron gleefully informed her. "Swear to God, the guy looks older than my dad."

"Earl? He was so handsome in high school," Ginny shook her head.

"Not anymore," I snickered shivering slightly knowing that I was being watched. I refused to give Loretta the satisfaction of looking around. Whatever game she was playing I wasn't interested. "His stomach hangs down to his knees and his hair line has dropped back a good five yards. I didn't recognize him. It wasn't until I saw his name on some paperwork that I realized it was him."

"Come on, he's our age," Ginny argued. "No way he's gone to pot that fast."

"Who is Earl?" Evelyn chimed in.

"One of Ginny's high school beaus," I giggled. "And he was a dreamboat back then. Not now. Actually you dated the hottest guys in school."

"I have good taste," she flashed me a smile that sent a shiver down my spine. "Should have held onto Bobby just to save him from my sister. Damn I still can't believe he's gone."

"If only I had been quicker I could have floored that guy who sacked him," Ron cursed his body tensing. "He never would have gotten hurt."

"Don't." Ginny tenderly stated. "Face it all of us were having a great year, then it just went to hell."

"It was," I nodded my body melting against Ginny's touch. "Double dating, sock hops, dancing to doo-wop, hitting the drive-in and riding around in your Chevy with the top down. Man we had it going on."

I shivered once again feeling someone watching me. I blew out a terse breath pretending to listen to Ron and Ginny regaling wild tales from our bygone days. Evelyn joined in sharing some of our stunts from Smith. "So then Druette here decides that we can outrun the farmer," Evelyn was just concluded her saga. "It's dark, muddy and we weren't dressed for a late night rendezvous with a pitchfork. Somehow she got us into the car and tore out burning rubber."

"A little midnight apple picking," Ginny howled. "Eleanore Roosevelt Druette you ought to be ashamed."

"Eleanore Roosevelt." Was snickered around the table catching my attention.

"Virginia Woolf?" I taunted in response.

"Yes?" Came her curt response.

"Happy Birthday." I let her off the hook. She looked adorable scrunching up her face. She leaned in and I followed suit. We pulled away when the both of us remembered we were in public.

"Speaking of cavities." Evelyn snickered under her breath. "Oh it is getting late."

"Grody." I grimaced checking my watch while I mentally calculated how little sleep I was going to get. "Right you are. Time to beat feet." I concurred moving to glance over my shoulder.

"Don't bother," Spencer grimly instructed me. "She hasn't taken her eyes off you."

"I'm not liking this," Ginny snarled.

"Don't sweat it," Spencer smirked. "I'm adding her to my to do list."

"Meaning?" I prodded as the crew began to throw down money and slip out of the booth.

"Just boogie," Spencer requested with a jerk of her head. "I'm just gonna chew the fat with her. And since she got the 411 on you in the morning I'm going to return the favor."

"I'm liking you more and more," Ginny complimented the small brunette. "Be careful. This woman makes me twitchy."

"Don't worry," Spencer blew off Ginny's concern. "I'm packing."

Ginny's and my eyes widened our gaze instantly dropping. "Okay," Spencer slowly drew out. "I meant I have a gun. I'm going to assume packing means something different to the two of you. No need to explain. I'll just let my wayward imagination wander."

"Good night then," I choked out with a furious blush.

"I'll stay," Ron volunteered.

"No, need." Spencer dismissed him.

"It's no problem." Ron persisted.

"No, really I'll be fine." Spencer huffed.

"I don't mind." Ron pressed on as we shook our heads.

"Honestly, you'll be in my way." Spencer finally cut him down.

Ron shoved his hands in his pockets looking completely dejected. I had the sinking feeling he wasn't going to give up. It was getting late and I decided to leave him on his own. I didn't doubt Spencer was more than capable of taking herself. "Split a cab?" I offered to the rest of the crew mildly worried that Spencer might end up shooting Ron.

"Sounds good," Wally agreed as we made our way out to a busier street. He waved down the first taxi we spotted and the four of us climbed inside. I couldn't help smiling at the way Ginny and Wally mirrored one another's actions by slipping their arms around their date's shoulders. Neither Evelyn nor I wasted a moment quickly snuggling against the warm body offered to us. Ginny and I exited first since my apartment was closer to China Town. We bid farewell to our companions before hurrying inside.

"How are you doing?" I softly questioned once we were safely inside my apartment. I helped her take of her coat my heart racing when her hands came to rest on my hips.

"I'm okay," she seemed bashful as she spoke. "It's just I get a little funky this time of year."

"I know." I nodded slipping my arms around her waist.

"It started with my eighteenth," she quietly began her fingers massaging my hips. "Nothing says happy birthday like starting your stretch in the joint. What killed me was that for the first in my life I spent my birthday alone. It's a bitter pill to swallow knowing that you're alone because the person you always shared the day with is the reason for you being alone. If it hadn't been for your parents insisting that they be able to visit I think I would have withered and died."

"I think they would have adopted you even if you hadn't got sent away," I tried to comfort her.

"They really saved me," she sighed softly her body moving closer to mine. "I had fun tonight. Thank you."

"No need to thank me," I laughed. "Come on you got me a television for my birthday. I made you split the egg roll for yours. Doesn't really seem fair. What do you really want for your birthday, Virginia? Keep in mind that I'm feeling much better."

"I want to make love to you tonight." She professed with a soft murmur before claiming my lips in a tender kiss. Her soft inviting kiss spoke volumes. No, discussion, no promises and no over analyzing just our bodies coming together. It was fine by me; I had been ready to feel her in my arms since the night she arrived. My only regret was that I knew I couldn't keep my heart from following my body.

Her tongue began teasing my bottom lip. I eagerly parted my lips granting her entrance. I moaned into the warmth of her mouth. I felt her hands slip up along my body. I pushed slightly away from her touch my hands needing to feel her skin. My fingers quickly glided up and under her sweater. I wanted to touch her everywhere. My hands glided up along her back provoking a sultry moan from my companion. Without hesitation I unsnapped her bra. "Damn you've gotten good at that," she breathlessly sputtered raising her arms above her head so I could slip her sweater off her body. I practically tore her loosely hanging bra off her.

I nuzzled my face against her exposed flesh. My hands busy with the task of unbuttoning her bellbottoms. Her fingers laced in my hair; pressing me closer to her. I drank in the scent of Ginny's flesh; my mouth eagerly nibbling upon her skin. We stumbled towards the bed. I tugged her pants down to her hips. Clasping her body tightly wanting her in my bed yet knowing it was a long fall down to the mattress.

"You need to get a real bed," she chastised me seeming to read my thoughts.

I stifled my response. I wanted to tell that I would. I'd happily invest in a real bed, a bigger apartment or anything else she desired if she would only stay. I wasn't afforded the luxury of being permitted to ask. So, I didn't. Instead I guided her down onto the mattress. I kneeled on the floor; tearing the remnants of her clothing from her body. I clasped the edge of the mattress watching her naked form scooting further away. She reclined against the pillows, crooking her finger begging me to join her. I stood, my legs wobbling slightly.

My lips curled into a crooked smile. I stood there watching the rapid rise and fall of her chest. She shivered beneath my haughty gaze. Reaching over she struck a match. The acidic scent of sulfur filled the room while she lit a candle on the nightstand. My jaw quivered as I watched her returning my gaze. I stumbled backward not wanting to tear my gaze from the tantalizing sight nestled on my bed. I flipped off the main light; shedding my clothing as I made my way back to her.

The room was bathed in candle light while I stood naked before her. I caught a glimpse of something in her crystal blue eyes that tugged at my heart. Sorrow was not the emotion I expected to see. This visit had been different. She was different. She had come here for a reason. I was clueless as to what her true motives had been. Whatever she had planned had been abandoned not long after she had arrived. I didn't understand my sudden insight. I just knew that something was amiss.

"Ellen?" She purred her voice dripping with desire.

My eyes raked down her body drinking in all that she was offering to me. Her nipples were erect, her chest heaving, my gaze drifted along her soft supple curves landing on the soft patch of gold nestled between her firm thighs. Even in the darkness I could see that she desired me. I was torn away from my ogling when her needy voice repeated my name. I sank to my knees crawling up along the mattress. I hovered above her thrilled by the sight of her quivering beneath me.

Ginny's hands began to explore my body. I released a strangled moan; my senses reeling from her touch. For a brief moment I felt innocent again. Ginny reached up lacing her fingers in my hair; guiding me to her before capturing my lips in a searing kiss. I lowered my body; groaning when I felt her wetness brushing against my flesh. Our nipples brushed while I probed the deep recesses of her mouth. After all those years tasting her lips still ignited my passion. Our bodies still moved in perfect unison.

Ginny's fingers kneaded my bare backside guiding me to straddle her thigh coaxing me to ride against her. I surrendered to perfection; rolling my hips meeting the frantic swaying of her body. She tore her lips from the sensual kiss. Her head falling back; her long blonde hair spilling over her flushed features. I brushed her errant locks from her face. I needed to see her; to feel her piercing blue eyes boring into my soul.

She held me prisoner with her smoldering gaze. Our bodies caught up in a frenzied rhythm. I struggled fighting against the words that were screaming to escape. The words I should had uttered nine years earlier. Knowing that they would not be echoed I buried them deep inside of me. Allowing only my heart to say I love you. She never needed to know I gave her my heart that night, as I had done so many other nights. I slipped my hand between our bodies vowing to keep my secret; leading her to believe that I was only offering my body.

Her name escaped in a strangled cry when she mirrored my actions. Each of us gasping for air when our touch was greeted by the other's overflowing passion. Ginny's body arched lifting mine higher. She cried out my name, followed by my neighbor's loud banging on the walls. Unable to yield my pent up passion I ignored the loud thumping; begging Ginny for release.

I growled frustrated by the limitations our position provided. Needing to feel one another completely we rolled around the bed until we were nestled side by side. Focused solely on kissing and giving one another pleasure we ignored the darkness slipping from the room. Daylight shyly peeked through the small windows. We barely noticed the arrival of morning. I buried myself inside her thrilled by the feel of her body tightening against my touch.

My mind was muddled; lost in the feel of her pleasuring my body. We clung to one another; kissing, touching, losing ourselves in the sheer pleasure of the moment. Ginny's hands and mouth explored my shuddering body completely. Her voice raw as she promised to take me to the moon and back. My own voice absent far too strained to cry out. My body thrusting wildly as she fulfilled her promise. Her tongue slipping inside of me stealing the last vestiges of reason.

I belonged to her; needing only to sate her passion. I was more than happy to rake my fingers and mouth down along her sinewy body. Her pleading turned to guttural groans. I fought to hold her body steady. I feasted upon her; consumed with the aching need to feel her passion spilling over me. Ginny clawed at my flesh; desperately pleading for mercy. I smiled proudly climbing up her body.

Driven by raw desire our bodies melted against one another's. Rocking wildly; each of us refusing to yield. The clamoring sounds of my alarm shattered our frenzied passion. I released a feral growl refusing to answer the determined clanging. The pounding on the walls and the blasted clock grew more persistent. I released a terse curse tearing myself from her. I slammed the clock almost shattering it. I fought to quiet my body wanting nothing more than to curl up in her arms. She rolled over blowing out the candle. I nestled my body behind her. I wrapped my arms around her, kissing the nape of her neck and shoulders.

"Sorry," I grumbled out my apology for allowing the real world to disrupt our bliss. Ginny only sighed in response. Turning towards me; her eyes filled with a distant look. I pursed my lips and brushed her face with my fingers. I released a frustrated sigh. I kissed her quickly and slipped from the tender embrace. Regrettably I took a long hot shower erasing her scent from my flesh.

It was time to rejoin the world. I was all too familiar with the look in Ginny's eyes. I stood under the water much longer than needed. I silently cursed the lot life had handed me. It was a cruel joke. The hotter the sex the sooner I'd see that distant gleam reflected in Ginny's eyes. She'd be leaving soon. Once again I'd be forced to just step back and let her walk away.

"You look adorable," I smiled at the sight of Ginny wearing my robe while pouring me a cup of coffee. I cringed when I approached her. "Ouch." I cringed once again my body suddenly reminding me that there is a price to pay for marathon sex.

"Sore?" She blushed handing me a steaming cup of coffee.

"Hmm." I murmured cupping the mug in my hands savoring the aroma. "What is it about you that makes me think I'm Gumby?"

"Sure blame me," she blushed once again handing me a plate with a couple of slices of toast.

"No time," I politely declined placing my coffee mug on the counter. Each of us quirked a glance at the kitchen wall watching the pictures shaking from a loud banging. "Oh goodness sake," I snarled and flipped off the wall. "We're done."

"Have you ever met her?" Ginny asked making her way towards the bed.

"A couple of times in the laundry room," I sneered trying to rush around and get ready for the office. "I say hello and she ignores me."

"Charming." Ginny groaned stretching out her body.

"What are your plans today?" I reluctantly asked while zipping up my skirt. 'Besides packing?' I silently added.

"Don't hate me," she sighed slipping under the covers. "But I'm planning on sleeping most of the day. Someone kept me awake all night."

"You Fink," I blew out with relief.

"Are you going to be alright?"

"Sure, providing I don't fall asleep on the train," I sighed before ducking back into the bathroom to throw on some make up. When I finally looked somewhat respectable I leaned down and gave her a kiss. I had only intended to place a quick peck on her lips. The second my lips brushed against hers I was lost. It took all the strength I had to pull away. "Damn." I cursed before making a speedy exit.

At the office that day Ron and I must have gone through a half dozen pots of coffee. Despite Spencer's insistence he stayed on at the restaurant. We barely spoke to one another except for his comments that I was far too chipper and walking funny. "Climb it." I finally snapped before emerging myself in the mountain of paperwork that plagued the lives of lowly junior associates such as myself.

The next few days I was flying on fumes. Ron was jealous and I was ecstatic foolishly thinking that just perhaps Ginny wouldn't pull her vanishing act. I realized I had been kidding myself the night we dipped into my goodie bag. The more intimate we became the more vulnerable we became. When we entered the realm of sheer unadulterated passion she'd start planning her escape. It was a small comfort that she only ran as far as Cedar Hills.

A short visit with the folks is what she said. I knew despite the fact that she made plans with Sandy and myself for the following Saturday, she was inching away. I remember thinking as I plowed through my workload the day she left that at least I'd get some sleep that night. Ron drove me crazy that morning. I was having lunch with Spencer and he wanted to know why.

"You got to help me out here." Ron pleaded like a big baby. "I'm getting nowhere with this girl."

"That is because you keep speaking," I rolled my eyes. I loved the guy but sometimes I wanted to strangle him. "Do yourself a favor and keep your trap shut."

"Just give me heads up on what I shouldn't say." he continued pleading his case. "So, far I've managed to offend her at every turn."

"Fine," I snarled throwing my pencil down. "Don't bring up cops, the military or her first name. I'd keep it to baseball and cars."

"She's not one of yours is she?" He groaned.

"Not even close," I laughed amused that just because the quirky private investigator liked things that most guys did they assumed she was a lesbian. "Look here's the deal. Spencer is a little older than us. She's done two tours in the Navy. I have no idea what she did in the service and I'd recommend not asking. I made that mistake just once. Suffice to say she's touchy about it. She wanted to be a cop. He father was one and died in the line of duty. When she found out the best she could hope for was checking parking meters or being a glorified secretary she became a PI. And hasn't gotten a break because of her gender. That doesn't mean you shouldn't open the car door for her. She prefers red wine over white but rarely drinks. She's dedicated to her job and if you catch her on the right day she might crack a smile. Other than that I really don't know that much about her."

"Could you put in a good word for me?" He sheepishly begged.

"I'll try." I groused picking up my purse. "Just for the record we're having a business lunch. Playing matchmaker isn't on the menu."

I met Spencer at a small diner near the courthouse. She wanted to get together after looking into Loretta's past. I was a little nervous at what I might find out. "Spencer," I greeted her sliding into the chair across from her.

"On time as usually," she gave me a nod. There was something about her no nonsense attitude that really appealed to me.

"Should I ask?" I began after the waitress took our lunch order.

"Well," Spencer quirked her head hesitating slightly. "After first I was concerned that she might be unbalanced. Following you around and such. Doesn't look good. I really wanted to know if she had a history of that sort thing."

"Does she?" I trembled slightly taking a sip of my water.

"No," she shook her head. "I think she's keeping an eye on Virginia or ensuring that you are safe. She's got a squeaky clean record. There is something I stumbled onto that makes me think I should stop digging. Something that isn't any of our business."

"Okay," I shrugged feeling mildly relieved. "If you're convinced that neither Ginny nor I are in any kind of danger, that's good enough for me. Her personal life isn't any of my business."

"You're good people, Ellen," Spencer smiled with a shake of her head. "I doubt I'd be so forgiving. Although I'm still concerned that she might try to make trouble for Ginny. It has to do with what I found out."

"Trouble?" I grimaced an uneasy feeling creeping up on me. "Beyond the scope of her job?"

"I," she paused clearing her throat. "Did you think people are born homosexual?"

"Interesting," I furrowed my brow. It certainly wasn't a question I had expected. Still if Spencer was asking there was a good reason. "I know I was. Still I could name two old flames that I'm pretty certain something happened to them when they were kids. Why?" I questioned feeling suddenly sick to my stomach. "Or don't I want to know?"

"Should we know might be a better question," she sadly confirmed. "Dale Cahill. He was a C.C.D teacher for St. Joseph's during the thirties and forties. Loretta was one of his charges. Uncle Dale the kiddies' friend. Pillar of the community. Always volunteering to help the church. Especially for the youth orientated activities. He focused on young girls. Strike that little girls were his favorite."

"I'm going to throw up." I choked.

"Pretty much the same reaction I had," Spencer confessed with a hard swallow. "Against the wishes of his superiors Father O'Malley dropped a dime to the local precinct. The cops invited Cahill downtown for a little chat. They never charged him with anything."

"Why not?" I spat out horrified.

"He had an accident," her face turning stone cold. "After a long chat with members of the force they tossed him head first into a holding cell. A very crowded holding cell, filled with the biggest, meanest mothers they could find. As they were locking the cell door behind his sorry ass they might have let it slip why he was there. Then they were unusually slow to respond to the ruckus going on in the cell. It's an unofficial operating procedure. I doubt they knew he would be killed. Although I suspect that none of the officers involved ever lost any sleep over his untimely passing."

"What really makes me sick is neither will I," my stomach churned at my confession.

"Don't beat yourself up," she tried to comfort me. "I wanted to be outraged that they crossed that line. I am sickened by the fact that not only don't I feel enraged, I'm happy the bastard got what he deserved. Going after sexual predators is a favorite of Miss Marino's. When Virginia's file landed on her desk it flipped a switch. On the surface Virginia looks like a predator."

"She's innocent." I fumed clenching my fists.

"We know that," Spencer stressed. "I have to be honest with you, when Uncle Gary first started talking about this case I thought the two of you were tilting at windmills. Ellen, if you didn't know her and the details and only had her case files to judge her by what would you think?"

I had to dig deep looking past what I knew to be the truth. "I'd think she was a sick pervert," I strained to admit. "And that she got off easy only having to serve five years."

"That is exactly what I thought until I learned the facts," Spencer confided. "If you were Miss Marino what would you think?"

"Loretta is zealot," I tersely blew out. "Given her history and the limited information she has I can understand her zeroing in on Ginny. Thank God Ginny is in Cedar Hills."

"Keep her there," Spencer stressed. "Or anywhere outside of Miss Marino's jurisdiction. If she is convinced that a dangerous predator is roaming the streets she'll do anything to put her away. From what I understand she begged to work on the DeSalvo case. Granted I'm thrilled that there is someone out there doing whatever they can to lock up rapists."

"But she's wrong," I tried to argue. "Ginny was innocent."

"Then let her know that she's setting her sights on the wrong target," Spencer demanded. "I understand not wanting the cops or the DA to know what you've been doing. The whole case could blow up in your face. If we leak just enough information that would let her know she's way off base, I think she'll back down."

"Are you certain that it is Ginny she's focusing on?" I questioned digesting her advice.

"Well, she passed by the window about five minutes ago and when she saw you with me she kept going," Spencer rolled her eyes. "But she stopped to look. Do you want to have her following you around for the rest of your life?"

"I'll talk to her." I nodded accepting that Spencer was right.

"Good," Spencer seemed to relax finally turning her attention towards eating her lunch. "So, what's the deal with your friend?"

"Ron?" I smiled unable to refrain from laughing. "He thinks you're pretty."

"Oh, Lord," she sighed dramatically still I could see a little something in her eyes. "I couldn't shake him the other night."

"He's a nice guy," I reassured her with a wink. "He's bright and won't talk down to a woman. That was part of my attraction for him back in the day. Well that and he took no for answer. I always felt bad that I had used him as a beard when we were teenagers. Still I really enjoyed spending time with him. I have to say that if per chance you did go out on a date with him, he is a lot of fun."

"A date?" She scowled rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "He is kind of cute. Nah, he's a lawyer."

"I'm a lawyer." I protested. "Come on Spencer you like him. I can tell. The fact that you didn't shoot him the other night is proof of that."

"Yeah, right."

That night I made a point of seeking out a certain ADA. It wasn't hard to find someone who was following me. "Take a seat." I instructed Loretta when she tried to appear surprised to find me in the cafe I had ducked into.

"Thank you." She studied me closely while complying with my instructions.

"I surprised to find you out so late," I fought to keep my voice calm while lighting a cigarette. It had been years since I smoked. The recent events had jangled my nerves. After my lunch with Spencer I found myself buying a pack of smokes. "I would have thought that after breaking curfew the other night your parents would have grounded you."

"Look, Ellen," she fidgeted rubbing her face furiously. "I'm not trying to disrupt your life. That is the last thing I wanted. But your so called friend is a danger to society. I have an obligation to the community."

"You know if you weren't such a pious SOB we might have been incredible together," I blew out still fighting against the ire surging through me.

"Why am I not surprised that you're making this personal," she snorted with disgust. "You don't know this woman as well as you think you do."

"No, you don't know her," I snidely corrected her sliding a manila envelope across the table.

"What's this?" She bitterly chastised me.

"The truth. I thought if you knew some of the facts you might have a change of heart," I tersely explained rising to my feet. "If you still fail to see the light of day, I'll be forced to go to your superiors."

"You got moxie. I'll give you that," she sniffed picking up the envelope. "I'm sorry things turned out this way."

"Me too." I said truly regretting the path we had taken.

I had just walked into my parents home when I heard the most disturbing thing. "You could always trade in the Chevy?" Ginny innocently suggested to my father.

"Tell me you didn't just say that?" I spat out horrified at the idea.

"Eleanore," Dad beamed rising to greet me. "Good now that you're here you talk some sense into this one." He jerked his thumb towards Ginny. She just shrugged.

"I can't leave you alone for a second," I scolded her ruffling her long blonde locks. "Now what in tarnation is going on here?"

"Pops really likes the new Ford. All I was saying is if he wants one he could trade the Chevy in," Ginny pleaded her case.

"Dad, you in a Ford?" I was stunned. "After the grief you gave Uncle Fred."

"That dumb ass bought an Edsel," Dad sneered. "We're talking about that new one. The Mustang. It's sharp. But we're keeping the Bel Air. Your mother loves that car and she's not letting it go. End of discussion. Now what are you two monkeys doing today?"

"Sandy wanted to get together." Ginny explained.

"Ah the lush," Dad groaned. "Should be fun. Have you been smoking?"

"I quit in prison," Ginny sputtered. "Wasn't really worth trying to hang on to them."

"Uhm, no," I lied quickly ducking out of the room. "Hey, Mom?" I greeted her with a fierce hug when I entered the kitchen.

"Ellie," she squeezed me tightly. "Good to see you. Have you been smoking?"

"I was just going to ask you the same thing?" I gloated after detecting the distinctive smell of cigarette smoke lingering in her hair.

"Fine, Little Miss Smarty Pants," Mom sneered apparently she did not enjoy having the tables turned on her. "Don't think you can pull the wool over your father's eyes so easily."

"He's already hot on my trail," I confided with a conspiratorial whisper. "Thank goodness Ginny's trying to convince him to trade in the Chevy so he can buy a Mustang."

"Not until he pries the keys out my cold dead fingers," Mom flashed me a cocky smile. Suddenly I had a clear understanding where I get my flippancy from. "I know the car is ten years old. I love it. When the weather is nice I put the top down and just drive."

"Think you could part with it for an afternoon?" I sheepishly pleaded. "We're getting together with Sandy and as we all know letting her drive is basically an asinine idea."

"Lately allowing her to walk isn't a smart idea," Mom shook her head with disgust. "What happened to that girl? She has a degree which she does diddly squat with."

"She doesn't have to work," I tried to defend my more than troubled friend.

"Neither do I," Mom grunted. "We'd get by if I decided to return to my life of cooking, cleaning and watching soap operas. Granted between you and your brother being so driven the extra money has helped. I love what I do. Getting out of the house and helping people buy and sell homes is exciting. Well I find it exciting."

"I think it is great, Mom," I patted her shoulder feeling truly proud of her. "Can we get back to the car?"

"After you tell me what is going on," Mom quietly prodded. "I thought Ginny was thinking of moving back home? What happened?"

"She what?" I stood there stunned. "When was this?"

"She mentioned it, recently," Mom tried to clarify. "Now she's talking about checking out more of the great northwest. I take it she hasn't mentioned any of this to you."

"Not a word," I blew out feeling completely flustered. "Things have been a little out of whack. There was this woman and she; well it turned out to be a crazy situation."

"Why am I not surprised," Mom groaned wrapping her arms around me. "Sorry. It's none of my business. As much as I hate to admit it you girls are adults. Take the car. But you better put gas in it. I have an open house tomorrow."

"You're the best," I beamed quickly snatching the car keys and grabbing Ginny. During the short drive over to Sandy's I wondered if I should mention what Mom had said. By the time we arrived at the Hewitt's stately home I decided that if Ginny wanted to talk about things she would. Understanding Ginny the way I did, I knew that she'd talk about things only when she was good and ready.

We strolled up to the front door and rang the bell. "You're awfully quiet," Ginny noted while we waited for Debbie to answer the door.

"Long week." I shrugged feigning indifference to her question.

Debbie just scowled at us when she answered the door. The years had done nothing to improve her disposition. Ginny looked around when we stepped inside the foyer greeted by loud music echoing from the upstairs. "I'll fetch Miss Sandy." Debbie curtly informed us.

"No need to trouble yourself," Ginny dismissed her snotty attitude; waving for me to follow her. The sounds of The Rolling Stones grew louder as we approached Sandy's room. "Loud enough?" She grumbled rapping loudly on Sandy's door. "Yo Sandy!" We stood out in the hallway waiting. Ginny knocked louder still no one answered. "Come on," Ginny grunted grabbing the doorknob. "Sandy?" She announced our arrival throwing the door open.

My lungs seized when we stepped into the room finding Sandy sprawled across her bed. "Sandy?" Ginny's tone frantic as we rushed to her. I snapped off the expensive Hi-Fi silencing Mick Jagger while Ginny tried to rouse Sandy. "Damn it," Ginny shouted slapping Sandy's face. "Wake up!"

"Stop!" I froze with fear finding the syringe lying beside the bed. "We need to call an ambulance."

"Son of a bitch! Sandy," Ginny pleaded still trying to shake Sandy awake.

I quickly dialed for help explaining that I suspected an overdose but was uncertain as to what Sandy had taken.

"Heroin," Ginny blurted out reaching for the paraphernalia.

"Don't!" I shouted pulling Ginny away. "Don't touch anything. You need to go."

"What?" Ginny gaped horrified by my words.

"Ginny get your ass out of here," I demanded.

"Ellen!" She furiously shook me off. "What's the frigging problem?"

"Ginny, help is on the way," I sternly instructed dragging her towards the door. "You can't be here. The cops will show up. Most of the newest members of the force went to high school with us. They know you."

"What about?" She tried to dissuade me.

Debbie raced into the room turning hysterical. "I've called an ambulance," I tried to comfort the overwrought woman. "Ginny move your ass now. I'll take care of her," I vowed pushing Ginny closer towards the door. "This will only spell trouble for you. The drugs alone are enough to screw you over. Go and don't touch anything on the way out."

"Dear mother of God," Mrs. Hewitt joined the party. "What have you done to my daughter?"

"Hopefully found her in time," I curtly snarled. "Ginny go."

"This is wrong," Ginny argued.

"Go," Debbie echoed finally calming ever so slight. "She is right. " Debbie encouraged nudging Ginny out of the bedroom.

"I hate this," Ginny snarled.

"So do I," I joined her guiding her towards the staircase. "Wait give me a dollar?"

"Excuse me?"

"Just do it," I growled holding out my hand and snapping my fingers.

"The smallest I have is a five," she spat out shoving the crumpled bill in my hand.

"Good," I blew out shoving the bill in my pocket. "If anyone asks I'm your lawyer. Get it. Now go. Out the back way. I'll call the house when I know something. Please I can't take care of Sandy and you. Now just scram!"

I shivered from the hostile glare Ginny cast down upon me before finally heeding my words. I turned to find Debbie trailing after me. "I know she wasn't here," the older woman creaked out as we went back to help Sandy. It was a nightmare from that moment on. The ambulance and police arrived whisking Sandy away. She was hanging on which I prayed was a good sign. Debbie and Mrs. Hewitt for some unknown reason let me take charge with the police. They even backed me up when I said that I had been alone when I discovered Sandy. My bad luck that Mark Danes, Margie's husband, was one of the responding officers. Needless to say that there was no love lost between us.

"Look for the last time, Mark," I fiercely informed him. "No one here knows where she got the drugs or how much she took. It's not like her mother sat around watching her shoot up. Can I please take her family to the hospital? If you have any further questions you can speak to my client after she is out of danger."

"Your client?" He laughed. "Oh right you're a hot shot lawyer now."

"For the love of," I fought to keep my anger in check. "Take your stupidity out on me later. Her mother would like to be with her."

"Danes!" The other officer finally stepped in. "We got the drugs. She's her lawyer there's nothing else we can do. Let her mother go see her."

"Yes, sir." Mark snarled never taking his eyes off of me.

The trip to the hospital and subsequent wait was nerve wracking. During the agonizing wait, I tried to comfort Mrs. Hewitt. I also managed to convince her to let me continue handling the police. It was hours before we received word that Sandy was out of danger. "Thank God," I gasped a wave of relief washing over me. Mrs. Hewitt went to see Sandy. Since she was the only family member she was the only one allowed to be with her.

"Eleanore Druette?" A weary voice called to me after I had bought another stale cup of coffee from the vending machine.

"Yes," I groaned turning to face the tired looking man wearing a rumpled suit.

"Andrew Bennett, Essex County DA," he tersely informed me.

"Oh goodie," I nodded taking a seat in the waiting room. "How do you want to proceed? I haven't been the afforded the opportunity to speak with my client."

"Cedar Hills," he grunted seating himself beside me. "I just love the suburbs. Okay, can we skip all the my client is an upstanding member of the community from a fine family crap?"

"Love it." I blew out not really in the mood to clean up after Sandy's mess.

"The police confiscated a lot of drugs in Miss Hewitt's bedroom," he flipped through his notes. "Heroin and LSD. And she has a prior history of drunk driving."

"Never been formally charged and search was illegal, next." I droned without batting an eye.

"I think I can get the search in," he played with me. "The drugs were in plain sight."

"Not all of them," I adeptly countered. "I find it heinous that while the EMT's were working on Miss Hewitt, officer Danes was searching her bedroom."

"He had probable cause," Bennett almost laughed at me. I was in way over my head and I knew it. I just had to maintain my composure and just maybe Sandy wouldn't end up in a jail cell after she recovered.

"She names her dealer and goes in for treatment," I offered knowing it was probably why he had bothered coming to the hospital on a Saturday night. "Then this goes away."

"You read my mind," he yawned. "I have to be honest if it was up to me I'd prosecute. I'm sick and tired of these snotty rich kids. They've been handed everything on a silver platter and skate through life. And then they just piss it away."

"I'm inclined to agree with you," I groaned rubbing my throbbing temple. "But you want the dealers more. First chance I get I'll discuss your offer with my client. I'll call you as soon as I can."

"A pleasure," he thanked me handing me his card.

After he left I called home and let everyone know that Sandy was out the woods. Mom let it slip that Ginny was ticked off at me. "I'll deal with that later," I snapped. "Right now I have to save Sandy's ass again. I'll talk to Ginny when I get in." Then I waited until Sandy had been transferred to a room and was up for visitors. It was early afternoon by the time I was allowed to see her.

"Guess I screwed up lunch." She tried to joke.

"That was yesterday," I rolled my shoulders hovering beside her bed. "Been screwing up a lot lately, kiddo. Here's the deal. The cops found your stash. Wasn't hard since the Horse you were shooting was still near the bed."

"Fuck me," she snapped her frail body shuddering from the outburst. "Why didn't you hide it?"

"Sorry I was a little busy trying to save your life," I curtly informed her. "Now, unless you want to hire a different lawyer I'm trying to save your ass from jail. Name your dealer then get your ass into a clinic and this goes away."

"What? I'm not ratting out a friend. And I don't need to go some half assed clinic," she venomously spat out. "I only get buzzed to have some fun. I'm not a junkie."

"First this person is not your friend," I clenched my jaw. "Secondly this is your only option. Hey hire a real lawyer. I don't care. What I do care about is the fact that you don't seem upset that you overdosed. Or isn't this the first time? I'll stand by you. But I will not watch you kill yourself. Name, names get clean or rot. Your call."

"Jesus, Ellen. Candy isn't a dealer," she scoffed at the notion. "Her boyfriend just has a connection."

"Candy?" My jaw dropped. "Whatever. I'm sure Mr. Wonderful will turn on his connection. No one is going to come looking for you. Better still why don't you just hire another lawyer? I can't help you if you refuse to admit you have a problem. I'm going home."

"Wait," she groaned her frail body still shaking. "Fine. Tell the cops it was Candy. I hate you. This wasn't any of your business."

"At least you're alive to tell me off," I muttered before stepping out of the room. I stopped to talk to her mother. I explained everything. She seemed relieved that rehab was part of the deal. Of course I had to explain what rehab was. Back then it wasn't as common place as it is today. After going over everything with Mrs. Hewitt I went to the nearest payphone and called Bennett. I gave up my former classmate, Candy without batting an eye. The charges against Sandy were unceremoniously dropped.

By the time I made it home I couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the bright eyed wonders I had grown up with? Bennett was right economic differences aside we had the world handed to us. Ginny was the only one who had an excuse. She had been framed. Sandy, Candy and a long list of my former friends seemed to be tossing their futures out the window with both hands.

My mind and body were spent by the time I arrived home. I hid in the garage for a moment and decided to chain smoke. I just wanted to go to sleep. Knowing that my rest would be sidetracked because Ginny was in a foul mood truly irked me. "Are you trying to send up smoke signals?" Ginny startled me.

"Maybe." I curtly informed her taking a long drag of my cigarette.

"You need to get some rest," Ginny softly directed me stealing my smoke and snuffing it out. "Haven't you been watching the news? Those things are bad for you."

"Brat," I scowled unable to look at her. It had been a very long night. The weight of the events made heavier by Sandy's hostile words. "Ginny, I know you're ticked off. It was the right thing to do."

"Now that sounds familiar," she tried to tease me. I expelled an exhausted sigh casting a weary gaze over at her. "I'm not pissed. You were right. The cops would have taken one look at the drugs and my record and I'd be packing up for another trip to the big house. Being reminded of how useless I am hurt me."

"You're not useless," I whined stomping my feet like a small child. "Sorry, I'm wiped. Waiting all night with Mrs. Hewitt who isn't the ogre I thought she was. Then saving Sandy's butt from the cops. I got her off. I made the whole thing go away. You know what she said? She hates me."

"Now you feel like you have to stroke my ego," Ginny linked her arm in mine guiding me towards the house. "I'm fine. It was a knee jerk reaction. Good thing you kept a clear head. Thank you. And Sandy will get over it once she is thinking clearly. Now if I may be so bold? I'm taking you to bed. Uhm I mean putting you to bed. I'll drive you back into the city after you get some rest. Just tell me one thing. What was that bit about the money?"

"A retainer," I tried to explain. "If somehow the cops linked you to things, I could step in as your legal council. Or better still call one of the big guns I work for."

"I thought you said all you do is run errands and draft motions for the big guys?" Ginny exclaimed leading me up to my old bedroom.

"Basically." I nodded.

"There is going to be hell to pay when they let you out of the gate," Ginny surmised.

"They have a couple of times," I yawned. "I got to beat up on Loretta in court."

"Music to my ears," she laughed opening the door to my old room. "Now sleep."

"Where are the folks?" I questioned suddenly realizing that the house was unusually quiet.

"Out," she shrugged. "Ma had an open house and Pops made plans to go fishing with Mr. Connelly. They were going to stay but I told them to go ahead. Sandy is out of the woods and you would probably crash the moment you got in."

"Mr. Connelly huh?" I nervously chewed on my bottom lip after hearing Candy's father mentioned. "Whew they are in for a nasty surprise when they get back."

"What's up?"

"Can't say," I offered meekly still wondering when Candy had gotten divorced. If she had a boyfriend she must have split with her hubby. Amazing just how huge my blind spot was when it came to my childhood buddies.

"Did Sandy give you a dollar?" Ginny teased me with a playful nudge.

"No," I laughed. "She gets a bill from the firm. Maybe that'll teach her some manners."

I wouldn't find out if Sandy's disposition had improved for a long time. Her mother on the other hand couldn't stop thanking me. Not only did she pay the absorbent bill my firm laid on Sandy she hired the firm to take over her legal affairs. This made my bosses very happy. The Hewitt's finances added a nice chunk of change to the firm's bank account. I think they were more impressed by the business I was bringing in than by my skills. Sad to say that in a big firm it is all about the billable hours. They didn't give a hoot that I was just trying to help out a friend.

The Connelly's on the other hand were stunned. Apparently they had no idea that Candy was sneaking around on her husband with a shady character who sold drugs. Sadly her husband had no idea either until the cops showed up asking questions. The boyfriend was a seedy little thug who from what I heard turned over the name of his supplier before skipping out of town. He left Candy with a stack of unpaid debts and a broken marriage. Not long after the dust had settled Ginny left town. She called to say goodbye, not really explaining which direction she was heading in.

TBC

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