There was an amazing old oak tree covering the lawn outside the physical sciences building. Sarah would not have been at all surprised to learn that it was older than the University itself. The oak was a perfect place to spend time on a warm spring afternoon. Sarah was lying under its shade with Janet and Tamar.

Both of her friends were brimming with curiosity about Jordan and Sarah was enjoying the chance to talk about her favorite subject. Of course, there was a lot she did not tell them, but there were plenty of stories she could tell. The two young women were quite charmed by Jordan's Christmas Day ritual of leaving seeds out for the wildlife. They thought it peculiar how Jordan had thrown up in the Jaguar and then sold it to Sarah for a pittance. They laughed over Jordan's owie in her tussle with Pete.

"Who's Pete?" Tamar asked.

"Um...He's kind of a cross between a butler and an accounts manager for the house. He's the biggest guy I've ever seen, but he's really sweet. His wife is my friend, too. Her name is Amanda. You'd like her. She teaches kindergarten."

Janet leaned back on her hands, letting her long hair cascade down her back. "You go back and forth a lot between he and she when you talk about Jordan."

"She's both," Sarah said simply. "Sometimes she's a man and sometimes he's a woman."

"And you don't find that confusing?"

"No. I don't care what Jordan is. Man or woman, I love them the same."

"You might not feel that way if he really was a man."

"Why not?"

"Penis? Hello?"

Sarah wrapped her arms around her knees with a smile. "I was nervous about that for quite a while, but not anymore." Both women gaped at her with their mouths hanging open and it made her laugh. "What can I say? I like intercourse. Don't you?"

"Sometimes," Tamar admitted with a shrug.

Janet peered around before answering. "I don't mind it, but I can't come that way."

"You just haven't met the right guy," Tamar said to Janet. "I've had good and bad. Mostly leaning towards bad, but the good ones are really good."

"How many men have you been with?" Janet asked.

"I'll tell you if you tell me."

Janet blushed. "Two."

"Eight."

Both of them turned to look at Sarah and she held her hands up in protest. "I made no promises."

"Come on," Janet pleaded.

"I'm guessing no men at all," Tamar speculated.

"Just Jordan," Sarah conceded.

"How many women?" Janet pressed.

Sarah's blush stung. "A lot."

"A lot like...what? Give it up, Sarah. You gotta tell us. That's what girlfriends are for. Right, Tamar?"

"Absofrickinlutely."

Sarah rubbed at her face with both hands. "I don't know, okay?"

"You don't know?" Janet looked scandalized and loving every minute of it. "Are we talking more than ten?"

"Oh yeah," Sarah snorted.

"Twenty?"

She gave them an embarrassed thumbs-up to indicate a higher number.

"More?" Janet looked to be on the verge of swallowing her tongue.

It was a toss-up. Sarah was ashamed of her sexual history, but she also really wanted to tell them. She thought it was pretty likely that she was going to break down, so there really wasn't any point in fighting it. "Like I said, I'm not really sure, but maybe as many as...fifty."

Janet's eyes bugged out and Tamar made a prim face. "You slut."

Sarah knew she was being teased, but in that moment, she understood completely why Jordan had chased Pete outside and made him eat dirt. Before she had time to think better of it, she was straddling Tamar and tickling her for all she was worth. She had never acted like this with anyone except Jordan, but Janet and Tamar were playing right back.

"What's next? Sex in the Student Union?"

Sarah flipped off of Tamar in a flash and looked up at the unwelcome speaker.

"Really," Lisa sneered haughtily, "I didn't expect the two of you to turn into lesbians so quickly."

Sarah glanced at her friends and saw anger in their faces.

"Fuck off," Tamar answered. "We were just playing around."

"Exactly my point."

"What's the matter, Lisa? Run out of kittens to torture?"

Lisa sniffed at the insult and looked down at Sarah. "What's the matter, Sarah? Jordan not enough man for you? Oh, wait...I nearly forgot. He's not a man."

It took a moment for one little fact to surface and Sarah stiffened. "That's right. He's not a man, but then, how did you know that?" She looked at her friends. "Did either of you...?"

They shook their heads in denial and Sarah believed them. She stood up and folded her arms to keep from strangling her ex-study-partner. "How did you find out?"

Lisa laughed. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

"Gee, I haven't heard anyone use that line since I was about ten. I guess it's too much to ask that you act like an adult." Sarah cocked her head to one side and thought about it. "Since we didn't tell you, it could only have been that slimy reporter."

Lisa frowned. "He's not slimy."

Sarah knew she had hit a nerve and decided to keep poking it and see what fell out. "If you had actually met him in person you would know that he is. He's the worst kind of reporter: the kind that will make up a story just to start shit and ruin innocent lives. He doesn't care if he hurts people and lies are his trademark. He's scum."

Sarah saw Lisa's hand coming in an open-handed slap and did nothing to stop it. The slap stung, but it didn't rock her back at all. She smiled. "Is that all you got?"

She let Lisa slap her again and then Tamar pushed her way between them, sending Lisa back several steps.

"You gonna slap me, too?" Tamar snarled.

Sarah put a hand on Tamar's shoulder. "Don't worry. If she does, it doesn't hurt."

"You know," Janet said as she slipped an arm around Sarah's waist, "if you had gone ahead and ripped her arm off before, she wouldn't have been able to hit you at all."

"True," Sarah said calmly. She cocked her head to one side. "You talked to that reporter and told him about Jordan and me. What I can't figure out is why he would listen to you whine and then act on it. Are you sleeping with him?"

"No!"

"Because, honestly, you'd be better off masturbating. He didn't look like he could get it up anyway."

"Shut up!" Lisa shrieked. "Shut up! Don't you talk about him like that! You don't know him!"

"Eww," Tamar grimaced. "She is sleeping with him."

Janet mimed sticking her finger down her throat and Sarah had to laugh. Yes, it was a tense situation and she had not yet committed herself to allowing Lisa to walk away unharmed, but her friends were backing her up like they had practiced it.

"I am not sleeping with him! He's my uncle, for god's sake! That would be disgusting! You guys don't know how sick Sarah is! They do S&M! She's a pervert! Ask her!"

"Of course she's a pervert," Tamar snorted. "She's a lesbian."

Sarah had experienced a moment of fear at Lisa's accusation, but Tamar's comment had dispelled it. She remembered reading once that the best lies were composed of truth. "She's right."

Janet gasped. "What?"

"Sure," Sarah added casually. "Jordan ties me up and beats me all the time. It's the only way I can get off. In fact, those little love pats have got me all hot and bothered, Lisa. Are you going to finish what you started?"

Lisa stiffened in anger and turned to flounce off. Tamar and Janet dissolved into giggles. Sarah just stood there.

It was her fault that Jordan was being exposed. If she hadn't invited the girls out to her house, she and Lisa would never have had that confrontation. Lisa would not have felt slighted and would not have started her uncle on Jordan's trail. Even if Jordan was glad of all the changes, they should have been a choice and not a necessity.

Maybe it wasn't fair to blame herself. After all, Lisa was Lisa. She seemed to be the type of person who always had a good reason to be mean. Still, Sarah couldn't help feeling like the situation was at least partially her fault.

"I just can't figure out why she's always got to be such a bitch to Sarah," Janet said.

"She's jealous," Tamar announced. "She'll never be as pretty, as smart or as nice as Sarah and it pisses her off. I think she's used to being the princess."

Sarah blushed as she looked at her friends. "I'm not perfect, you know."

"Right," Tamar snorted in amusement. "And how, exactly, are you not perfect?"

"Well, like you said, I'm a slut."

"Did I say that? What I meant was...irresistible."

"I'm gullible."

"Trusting. It's a fine quality that so few people have nowadays."

Tamar looked smug, and Janet was grinning ear to ear. Sarah folded her arms stubbornly, determined to win this. "I'm too reserved."

"Modesty is a virtue."

"I'm not spontaneous."

"You're reliable."

"Like a rock," Janet added.

"I'm emotionally naive."

"Innocence is a rare and beautiful thing."

Sarah frowned. She could see how this was going. No matter what she said, they would make it sound like a good thing. Still, she had to try. "I'm afraid of almost everything."

"In this day and age, to be cautious is to be wise."

"I'm socially retarded."

"But we like that about you."

Sarah burst out laughing. "You guys are so full of shit."

"Wow," Janet breathed with wide eyes. "She's got x-ray vision, too."

"When I grow up," Tamar gushed, "I want to be just like you."

"Short?" Janet asked.

"Well, not that."

Sarah lifted her chin defiantly. "I'm not short. I'm compact."

Janet made a face. "No, you're just short."

Sarah ended up at the bottom of the pile, laughing hysterically as her friends found most of her tickle spots.

~***~

Jordan wasn't there when Sarah got home, but she found a note from her on the coffee table. It took her a few minutes to decipher the messy scrawl of Jordan's handwriting. Apparently, she had been called in to an unscheduled meeting in town and would be home as soon as possible. Sarah left the note on the table and decided to take a shower. Roughhousing on the grass had been fun but left her a bit sweaty. Not to mention that she probably still had grass in her underwear from a handful Janet had managed to inflict on her.

Sarah's thoughts turned to Lisa's revelations as hot water massaged her scalp. She still wanted to strangle the selfish bitch. It was hard to understand what Lisa thought she had to gain from instigating trouble for Jordan and Sarah. She had a pretty good idea that Jordan wouldn't actually be angry with her over Lisa's vindictiveness, but Sarah was still dreading the telling.

After her shower, Sarah put on a t-shirt and a pair of shorts and sat down to do some homework. It was hard to concentrate, but she got quite a bit done over the next hour and a half.

Not knowing what time Jordan would be home made it difficult to decide on what to make for dinner. After several minutes of staring into her refrigerator, Sarah decided to go and see if Maggie was cooking.

The only one home next door was Marmalade. Sarah spent a few minutes scratching his head and then walked up to the big house. She had to smile when she found Maggie staring into the refrigerator much like she had been doing just a short time before.

"Hi, Maggie."

"Hello, dear."

Sarah stepped up next to her old friend and stared with her. "What are you doing?"

"Waiting for something to jump out and say, 'cook me'."

"Yeah. I tried that at my house. Had about the same amount of luck with it, too."

"I thought about take-out, but nothing sounded good."

Sarah agreed. "Do you have any idea what time Jordan will be back?"

"He said he'd do his best to be back by eight, but he didn't sound very hopeful."

"We've got lots of time then. What's the oldest thing in there?"

Maggie leaned over to check. "Well, this chicken has about two days left, and we should probably make a salad before something starts to rot. The milk is on the edge, too."

"Okay. Sounds like chicken and salad for dinner. I'm not sure what to do with the milk."

"How about fried chicken? We can make gravy with the trimmings and use up the milk."

Sarah rubbed her belly with a grin. "You're gonna make me fat."

"All of the most beautiful women have a few extra pounds, dear. It makes them look more feminine. Not that you have any trouble with that, mind you, but you could gain a bit and still look wonderful."

Sarah blushed. Compliments were still a weakness for her. She just didn't know how to accept them casually. "Well, thanks. What can I do to help?"

While gathering ingredients they discovered that they were low on potatoes, so Maggie set some rice to steaming. Sarah had never tried rice with gravy, so it sounded a bit odd, but starch was starch. There was no reason in the world why rice couldn't have gravy on it. She would try it when it was ready. Maggie showed her how to cut apart a chicken and it was soon frying on the stove. They worked together on making the salad while Maggie filled her in on the reporter's morning visit.

To hear her tell it, Richard Westman had been surly, rude and unconvinced. He had questioned everything he saw, including the staff. His tour had taken place while the ballroom was being cleaned after the blood drive and he decided that it was an elaborate ruse to deceive him. No room went unchecked, and he even insisted on examining the outbuildings. Except for Maggie and Sarah's cottages, he was given free rein on the estate, but he left as convinced of his story as when he had arrived. His attitude had so incensed Pete that Jordan had given him the rest of the day off.

The food was just about ready when they heard the front door slam. They glanced at each other just as they heard a heartfelt "Fuck!"

"Uh oh," Maggie said. "Sounds like it didn't go well."

The wise thing to do was probably to wait for Jordan to find them and tell them what was wrong. But Sarah couldn't do that. Just knowing that Jordan was upset made her stomach hurt and she wanted to fix it. Rinsing her hands and drying them on a towel, Sarah left the kitchen.

She found the tall woman at a bar in one of the sitting rooms, a shot glass in one hand and a bottle of amber liquid in the other. Sarah watched as one drink was knocked back and another was poured. She swallowed nervously before speaking. "What's wrong?"

Jordan drank the second shot and poured another. Setting the decanter roughly aside, she turned to face Sarah, anger blazing from her face. "They kicked me off the board."

"What?"

"Oh, they didn't say it like that. They unanimously agreed that I should resign. For the good of the community."

"Who?"

"The women's shelter," Jordan spat. Her long legs began to pace. "They are ever so grateful for all I've done, but they have an image to maintain. Having someone like me on the board will apparently make battered women think twice about getting help."

Sarah was stunned. "That's ridiculous."

"Fuck!"

Jordan's outburst nearly sent Sarah running for the door, but she made herself stand still. "They can't do that."

"Well, they did." Jordan lifted her glass and then lowered it. "I'm the one that bought the facility for them and got it started. You know what they did before that? They gave women a night or two at a motel...when they could afford it. I'm the one who made it possible for them to give women and children a place to stay until they could get on their feet. I'm the one who gave them the room to offer counseling, legal aid and job training. I'm the one who worked my ass off getting the staff together and the grants written. The only reason they exist is because of me. And how do they repay me? They fucking kick me off the board!"

All she could do was stand there. Sarah couldn't think of a thing to say. It just didn't make any sense. How could an organization dedicated to helping women turn on a woman like that? It's not like Jordan had committed a crime.

"Oh, and the frosting on the cake is that they hope I'll still be one of their contributors. They don't want me, but they'll take my money. Those bitches."

"They actually said that? That they want your money?"

"Yep. They sure did. Gotta give them credit for having ovaries."

"That's...That's bullshit, Jordan. It's just wrong."

"No kidding." Jordan drank the shot and set the glass down on a coffee table. Stuffing her hands into her pockets, she continued to pace angrily. "What really pisses me off is that I can't just stop giving them money."

"Why not?"

"It'll hurt the women who come to them for help. About fifteen percent of their budget comes out of my pocket. If the shelter makes less money through donations, they'll cut services before anyone on the staff loses money. Most of the board is comprised of staff. If I continue to donate, the board goes on business as usual. If I stop donating, the women who need the shelter will suffer, but the board won't. I'm caught in a Catch-22."

"Is there any way you can donate only for specific things?"

"No. All donations go into a general fund. Everything is drawn from that fund." Jordan dropped into a chair and put her face in her hands. "I didn't expect this. I feel like I've been blindsided. I don't know what to do."

Sarah felt like her heart was breaking. She moved to stand before her lover and ran her hands through Jordan's short hair. "I'm sorry, sweetie."

Jordan reached out to pull Sarah into her arms and hugged her tightly. "Thanks, baby. It helps to have you near."

Sarah held Jordan's head beneath her breasts. She bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying. She had to tell Jordan about Lisa. Maybe the timing was bad, but she had to do it. "I have to tell you something, Jordan."

"Okay."

Sarah took a deep breath and slowly released it. "I saw Lisa today. It turns out that she’s Richard Westman's niece."

Jordan's arms remained tight, but she pulled her head back. She looked to one side for a long moment and then sighed. "That fills in some blanks."

"I'm sorry, Jordan."

The tall woman looked up in concern, her eyes searching Sarah's face. "I'm not the only one who got blindsided today, am I?"

Tears abruptly streamed down Sarah's face. Her throat tightened and speaking became very difficult. "I didn't know, Jordan. If I had, I never would have invited her over."

"Whoa," Jordan said softly. "Do you think this was your fault?"

Sarah wiped ineffectually at her tears, sobs leaking from her heart. "Not my fault, but I facilitated..."

"No, baby, no. I don't think you did. Not at all. Come here."

Sarah curled up into Jordan’s chest as she struggled not to weep.

"Listen to me, little one. I found out a few things today that make the picture a little clearer. First of all, the birth certificate you gave me yesterday was requested before we met. When they release a birth certificate it has to be dated and stamped by the county recorder to authenticate it. That date was last June. He was looking at me for a story almost a year ago. He's known that I'm a woman for a long time."

"What?"

"It's true, baby. I contacted my lawyers about it. There's going to be an investigation into exactly how he got it without my approval or assistance. I suspect that Mr. Weston is going to discover that he's been digging himself a hole while he's been investigating me. I doubt he’ll suffer any consequences for that, but it may get him off my heels."

Sarah began to feel some hope.

"I also learned that his editor won't let him print it unless he has a damn good reason. My gender isn't enough to justify the story."

"Good."

Jordan wiped away some of Sarah's tears and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Now that we know Lisa is his niece, a few more things become quite likely. Were you and Lisa at all friendly before she approached you about the study group?"

Sarah shook her head. "We knew each other in passing, but that was about it."

"It might be that Richard Westman put his niece up to getting close to you in the hope that something would shake loose."

It all started clicking into place. The unexpected invitation to start a study group. Lisa's casual, yet persistent, questions about her job and employer. The frequent requests for an invitation to the estate. Lisa's ridiculous attempt to seduce Jordan. It all made sense. "I'll kill her."

Jordan smiled. "She's not worth the effort, baby."

Sarah sat up and dried her eyes. "I beg to differ. She used me to stab you in the back. That bitch."

"Family is a powerful motivator. She may not have seen it as a bad thing to do at all. She was just doing a favor for her uncle. If, in fact, we have the right of it."

Sarah was as angry as she had ever felt. If Lisa had been within reach in that moment, she would not have been able to stop herself from striking out. Sarah had never hit anyone in anger, but she knew now that she was fully capable of doing it. "I'll still kill her."

"I'd rather you didn't. Just let it go, little one. She lost. They both did."

"Did they? The dungeon is closed. You got kicked off the board for the shelter. It doesn't have to get printed in the paper to hurt you. Am I supposed to just step back and let them get away with it? Shouldn't there be consequences for what they've done?"

"Maybe, but I don't want to be the one to carry out the punishment, and I don't want you to be the one either. We're better than that. It's okay to be angry about it, but let it stop there. Revenge will only bring unpleasant consequences down on our heads. Let karma handle it."

Sarah concentrated on relaxing. She was no less angry, but there was nothing she could do about it right then.

"Is this a handprint?"

Oops. Sarah had forgotten about that. It wasn't terribly visible, but she had known that Jordan was likely to see it. Jordan noticed everything. "Don't get mad."

Jordan's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Someone hit you?"

Sarah put her hands on Jordan's shoulders and prayed that Jordan didn't end up in prison. "It's okay, Jordan. I handled it. It doesn't hurt."

"I. Want. To. Know. Who. Hit. You."

Sarah licked dry lips and considered lying. She could feel Jordan's hands shaking in rage and decided that she didn't want that anger aimed at her. "It was Lisa."

Jordan's eyes closed, and the sound of her teeth grinding was clear.

"She was being nasty, and I was giving her a hard time. I was really pushing her buttons. Tamar and Janet stood up for me right away and got between us. It didn't hurt. Please, Jordan, don't do anything. I'm begging you."

Blue eyes opened, and they glittered sharply. "No one hits you. No one."

Nervous at the rage being expressed on her behalf, Sarah slowly moved to embrace her lover. "I don't think I could handle it if you got arrested, Jordan. Let it go. I'm all right. I'll never let her that close again. It won't happen again."

Jordan's embrace was hard, yet still tender. A single sob escaped as Jordan buried her face in Sarah's neck. "No one hits you, baby. Never again."

"Never again," Sarah agreed. She held on tightly as Jordan began to rock them both. "I'm okay, love. I swear."

Jordan pulled back, tears on her cheeks, her hands framing Sarah's face gently. "You are so precious to me. You don't even know how necessary you are...how much I need you. I love you so much. It kills me that someone hit you. I can't have it, little one. I can't. Everything that hurts you is a knife to my heart. It twists me up inside something fierce. I love you. I love you. Everything I feel, everything I am, it's all for you. I love you."

Sarah's tears were back. She moved her hands to Jordan's face, tracing the lines and angles that defined everything that was beautiful and good in her world.

"After school," Jordan choked out, "wherever you go, whatever you choose to do, please, let me be part of it. Part of you. I'll go anywhere you want. Live anywhere you say. I'll do anything, Sarah. Please, don't leave me. Let me come with you."

Seeing Jordan so vulnerable in her need shifted something deep within Sarah. She smiled as she leaned in to softly kiss the full lips. "I want to stay here," she whispered. "With you."

Jordan gasped, fresh tears falling. "Are you sure?"

Sarah nodded, her arms winding around Jordan's neck. "But there's something I have to tell you first."

Jordan nodded, her eyes anxiously waiting.

After so many times of wanting to say it, the words finally came easily. "I love you."
Jordan melted into Sarah. She cried freely and Sarah held her tight. "I've always loved you, sweetheart. Always. I'm sorry it took so long for me to be able to say it. I love you."

"I knew," Jordan sobbed. "I knew."

"But you needed to hear it."

Jordan nodded, her sobs relaxing into sniffles.

Sarah felt more relaxed and at peace than she had ever felt before. She finally felt like a grown-up. She felt like she had just done something exactly right. "I love you."

Jordan chuckled softly. "I love you, too."

Sarah laughed with her. "I hope you don't get tired of hearing it. Now that I can say it, it's all I want to say."

Jordan looked up, a big smile splitting her face. "I'll never get tired of hearing it."

"Good. I love you."

"This was so worth waiting for, little one. Every minute of it was worth it. I just want you to know that."

Sarah leaned in to kiss the tears from Jordan's face. Chasing the salty tracks led her to her lover's mouth and the first taste led to a deeper joining. It was a perfect kiss: slow, warm, full and giving. Sarah could have lived in that kiss for the rest of her life and been completely happy.

A throat cleared behind them and they slowly separated to look. Maggie stood in the doorway, her hands on her hips.

"Should I keep dinner on the table or make you plates for later?"

Sarah blushed at being caught.

"She loves me," Jordan proudly announced.

"No shit, Sherlock."

Sarah giggled helplessly.

Jordan sighed. "You do understand the concept of employer and employee, right?"

"Understand this." Maggie showed her middle finger to Jordan. "Dinner's ready."

Jordan's mouth was hanging open as Maggie marched out of the room. "Did she just flip me off?"

Sarah was laughing so hard she could hardly breathe.

"She flipped me off. I can't believe it."

Sarah snorted and knew she had about ten seconds to get to a bathroom before she wet herself. She rolled off Jordan's lap and ran. Or tried to. She couldn't separate her knees. They were the only thing keeping her from wetting her pants.

She almost didn't make it to the bathroom. Letting her bladder go, she put her head down and let herself laugh. "Oh god. Oh god."

Jordan stepped into the half bath and sat on the edge of the sink. "I wish I had a picture of that."

Her ribs were starting to hurt. Sarah locked her hands over her head and tried to calm herself down. "Don't make me laugh."

Jordan chuckled and turned on the water in the sink. "What a day, huh?"

Sarah closed her eyes tightly and concentrated on breathing. If she just didn't think she might be okay. Every few seconds a laugh escaped, but she could feel it coming under control. After several minutes, she felt a little more stable. Sitting back, she took a deep breath. "Oh god. I don't think I've ever laughed that hard."

Jordan was washing her face. "You are so adorable."

Sarah grinned. "I wish I had a picture of your face."

"Likewise," Jordan grinned back.

Sarah washed her hands and face with Jordan attached to her back like a limpet. "Are you hungry?"

"Yep."

Sarah dried her hands and smiled at the reflection of her lover in the mirror. "You are so beautiful."

"The eyes of my beholder are kind."

"I want pictures of us together. Like portraits."

"All right."

"With you in your tux."

Jordan waggled her eyebrows. "And you naked?"

Sarah lifted her chin and considered it. "Possibly."

Jordan got that shocked look again. "Really?"

"We can talk about it. After dinner."

"Come on then."

Sarah followed happily.

~***~

They lay together in Sarah's bed, just enough moonlight coming through the windows so that they could see each other. Sarah had assumed they would make love, but they had just talked about their relationship. Explaining how they felt and what they'd been thinking every step of the way. It was making Sarah feel so close to Jordan. In its own way, it was even more intimate than making love.

Jordan's hand was in the small of Sarah's back, whisper soft caresses making her feel boneless and serene. "You know what I've been wondering about?"

"What's that?"

"Remember at the Halloween party when we danced? And you took your gloves off?"

"You noticed that, eh?"

"Yeah. It struck me as kind of...odd. I mean, you didn't take them off with anyone else."

"I wanted to touch you."

"Oh."

"I felt guilty about that for weeks."

"Why?"

Jordan lazily shrugged one shoulder. "Well, I didn't have your permission."

"You did ask me to dance. I said yes, so that's kind of giving you permission."

"It's not that simple. I don't know if you noticed, but I always wore gloves in the dungeon."

"That was my next question," Sarah teased.

"Part of it was just the personae I wanted to project, but it was also because it created a barrier between me and the players. I had to touch them sometimes and it was a way of making it less personal. I took them off to dance with you because I wanted to get personal with you. I did not have your permission to do that."

It made sense. It seemed like beating a distinction to death, but it made sense. "You don't still feel guilty about that, do you?"

"No. I finally decided to cut myself a break. I didn't really do anything inappropriate. At least, I don't think I did."

"I never felt like you did."

"Good."

"Although, I started having these pesky dreams right after that. We danced every night for months in my dreams. It was kind of confusing at the time, but it was very nice."

"I remember you mentioning the dreams. It gave me hope."

"I'm glad."

"Me, too."

"By the way, now that the dungeon is closed, I'm out of a job. Should I quit or do you want to fire me?"

"Quitting looks better on your resume," Jordan said softly.

"True." Sarah was rubbing Jordan's back. There was a bump on one shoulder blade that she kept coming back to. "What is this?"

"What?"

"You've got something on your back." Sarah maneuvered herself under Jordan's arm and leaned over her long back. "This."

"Probably a zit."

"It's too hard." Sarah reached over to turn on a light, blinking at the brightness before concentrating on what she'd found. "I think it's a blackhead."

"Pick it out."

Sarah scratched at it with her fingernail. "It's in there pretty good. I don't want to hurt you."

Jordan stretched out on the bed with a satisfied sigh. "You won't hurt me."

Sarah went to work. "There is one thing I'm not sure how we should handle."

"What's that, baby?"

"Money. You have so much. There's no way I can pay my fair share. It bothers me."

"Why?"

Sarah rolled her eyes. "What if our situations were reversed? Could you be at ease with me paying for everything?"

Jordan was quiet for a moment. "Okay, I see your point."

"How should we handle it? I want to feel like I'm contributing, but I've seen your expenses for this place. There's no way I could even afford to pay the power bill. Anything I could contribute wouldn't even be a drop in the bucket."

Jordan hummed thoughtfully. "You know, I used to know this couple. Their incomes were pretty even, but they did things differently. He paid for living expenses. She paid for entertainment. Maybe something like that could work for us."

"You pay the rent and I take us to the movies? Doesn't sound very equitable."

"Once you start working, you'll be able to afford a lot more than movies, babe. Besides, I like paying the bills. Makes me feel more dominant."

Sarah thought about it. "So, I would pay for taking us out to dinner. Maybe vacations?"

"Yeah. Think about it."

It didn't sound like a bad idea. It wasn't equal, but equal was completely out of reach. They would have to find a way around equal to something that felt fair. "If we did that, would you feel like I was doing my share?"

"I already feel that way, little one. But yes. I think it would work out just fine. It wouldn't just be movies and dinner, you know. It could be anything. If we decided to take up bike riding, you'd have to buy the bikes and helmets. If we went birdwatching, it would be binoculars. Maybe you could cover any hobbies we take up."

"Oh, I see. That makes more sense. We could take up all kinds of things."

"I think it would be fun."

Jordan's blackhead was being stubborn. "This doesn't want to come out."

"Dig harder. You aren't hurting me. In fact, it feels good. Now that you're working on it, I realize that it's been itching a lot. Don't stop until you get it."

Sarah applied herself to the problem with a vengeance. After several minutes it came out. "Yuk. It's huge. And it left a hole."

Jordan laughed. "It must be love."

"What?"

"You're digging blackheads out of my back. Not everyone would do that. It must be love."

Sarah saw the humor in it and leaned down to kiss Jordan's shoulder. "It is."

"Lucky me."

Now that she was looking, she found more. None of them were as big, but there was no sense in letting them grow. "Hold still, love. There's more."

"Have at 'em, babe."

~***~

It was peaceful inside Sarah's mind. It was one of the things she liked best about doing yoga in the morning. There were a lot of benefits in doing it, but the way it made her feel was the best. It was even better than coffee for waking her up and getting her head in the game. Not that she had any intention of giving up her morning coffee.

A rustle in the bed above her made her look up. Jordan's sleepy face smiled down at her. "Good morning," Sarah smiled.

"Morning," Jordan yawned.

"I haven't even started coffee yet."

"Don't want coffee." Jordan rubbed at an eye like a little kid. "We used to call those Chinese splits."

"That's what I call it, too."

"How long can you do that?"

"I don't know."

"Does it hurt?"

"It used to, but not now. I'm very comfortable."

Jordan looked over her shoulder and made a noise in her chest. "Do you think I could tie you like that? On your back?"

Passion tickled Sarah in a variety of places. "I should think so."

Jordan's grin was wicked, and she rolled out of bed. "When you're done, go ahead and take a shower. I'll be back."

"Where are you going?"

Jordan was pulling on clothes very quickly. "I need rope."

Sarah had to laugh at Jordan's enthusiasm. The front door slammed, and Sarah knew that she would not be able to finish her morning routine. She was too excited. Pushing herself off the floor, she went in to take a shower.

Knowing that they were going to make love, and that Jordan was going to tie her up, made her entire body much more sensitive. The feel of hot water stinging her skin made her gasp with pleasure. Her nipples and clit were already aching with need. It was tempting to give herself an orgasm. She knew that she would be ready for more after only a few minutes of Jordan's touch, but she decided to wait. Letting the feelings build until they were almost unbearable was one of her favorite things.

Jordan still wasn't back when she was done in the shower. Sarah dried herself off, brushed her teeth and picked up the hair dryer. Better to take care of it now than try fixing her hair in time to leave for school. It would look terrible if she allowed it to dry during lovemaking.

Sarah smiled. Jordan called it 'oh god hair' when the back was all frizzed up from rubbing on the pillow during sex. Sarah hadn't understood what Jordan meant the first time she said it. She still had to chuckle when she remembered Jordan putting her head back to demonstrate, shaking it side to side, her husky voice saying, "oh god, oh god".

The bathroom door opened, and Jordan stepped in. Her eyes drank in Sarah's nude body as her clothes dropped away. "I'm going to rinse off. Don't go anywhere."

Sarah turned the hair dryer on Jordan with a grin, pleased at the shudder of arousal it caused. "If I run, will you chase me?"

Jordan smirked. "You won't run."

"We'll see."

Jordan was only in the shower for a minute or two. She dried off quickly and reached for her toothbrush. "Are you ready?"

Sarah's skin began to tingle. "Yes."

"Go sit on the end of the bed. I'll be right there."

Thrumming with anticipation, Sarah went into the bedroom. The top sheet and blankets had been pulled completely off the bed and were piled at the foot. It hadn't been that way when she'd gone into the shower, so she knew that Jordan had done it. Sitting down, she whispered, "Hurry."

There was a small duffel bag sitting on Sarah's dresser. Jordan went there first. She pulled out a number of leather and sheepskin cuffs. Sarah was glad to see them. Ropes would leave marks. The cuffs were very comfortable and left behind no traces. It would be far too warm later to have to wear long sleeves.

Jordan cuffed Sarah's ankles first and then reached for an arm. As she fastened the cuff on the delicate wrist, she asked, "Do you trust me?"

Sarah studied Jordan's face. She seemed tentative. Sarah took that to mean that Jordan wanted to do something different, but she wasn't sure how Sarah would feel about it. Sarah considered it. She knew beyond doubt that Jordan wouldn't hurt her. Knowing that gave her confidence. "I trust you. Do whatever you want, love."

The tall woman closed her eyes and pressed a long kiss into Sarah's palm. "Thank you."

When Sarah's other wrist was cuffed, Jordan leaned down to kiss her; at the same time, pushing her back on the bed. Sarah ran her fingers through Jordan's hair as their lips and tongues said good morning. She knew that she would soon be unable to touch her lover, so she took advantage of the ability while she could.

"Spread your legs for me, little one."

Sarah knew what was expected of her. She spread her legs straight out to the sides. They were not flat on the bed. There really weren't muscles that would do that for her. Pressure would have to be applied.

Jordan eased over to one side and gently pushed Sarah's ankle down beside the bed post. Picking up a short length of rope, she passed it through the ring on the cuff and secured it around the oak post. Trailing her hand along Sarah's leg and over her groin, she reached the other ankle. "Tell me if this hurts or if it's not going to work."

"Go ahead, I'm fine."

Jordan slowly applied downward pressure until the cuff was beside the bedpost. Tying it off, she looked into Sarah's eyes. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I might need you to pull my hips towards you just a bit."

Large hands grasped Sarah around the waist and pulled. "Better?"

"Much," Sarah moaned. "I'm so close. I feel like I might come."

"Me, too, baby."

Jordan took a longer stretch of rope from the duffel bag and went to the side of the bed. She tied one end of it to the cuff on Sarah's wrist. Tossing the rest of the rope under the bed, she went around to the other side and brought the rope up to secure Sarah's other arm. Returning to the foot of the bed, she looked Sarah over.

"You have no idea how sexy you look."

"Touch me?"

Hands fisted at her sides, Jordan dropped her head back with a groan and shuddered. It looked like she was having an orgasm. After several moments, she let out a shaky breath and calmed. Without a word, she began to move around the room. She dropped something on the bed that Sarah couldn't see and went into the bathroom. Jordan came out with a hand towel and shaving cream.

Sarah watched with some trepidation as Jordan sprayed some gel on her fingers and carefully applied it to Sarah's pubic hair. It was cold. Sarah had never shaved there before. She was perfectly willing to allow it, but she felt a bit surprised and uncertain that the time was now. Still, if Jordan wanted to do it, Sarah was going to let her.

Kneeling on the blankets, Jordan picked up what looked like a knife. Pulling the blade out, she revealed a straight razor. Placing one hand on Sarah's thigh, she held up the blade so Sarah could get a good look at it. "This is extremely dangerous. You must not move. Do you understand?"

Swallowing nervously, Sarah nodded.

"Do you still trust me?"

Sarah discovered that it was possible to feel completely safe and absolutely terrified at the same time. "Yes."

"Take a deep breath and relax, baby."

Sarah drew in a deep breath and let it out. She closed her eyes and concentrated on relaxing her body and mind.

Jordan began.

She had expected it to feel like the hair was being scraped off, but it didn't. She had expected it to be a slow and careful process, but it wasn't. The smooth, cold kisses of the blade were quick and decisive. It was very erotic. Especially the way her outer lips were pulled and stretched this way and that to accommodate the blade. Jordan's knuckles danced over her excited clitoris in the course of it and she had to restrain herself from trying to intensify the touches by moving.

Far sooner than expected, Jordan seemed to be done. Long fingers slid through the shaving cream residue, checking for stray hairs and stubble. Two brief touches of the blade were given and Jordan smiled. "Good girl."

Sarah lifted her head to see as Jordan collected everything and took it to the bathroom. Being bound prevented her from getting a good look, but she could tell that she was bare. It felt odd. She felt more naked than before.

Water ran briefly in the bathroom and Jordan came out with a wet washcloth. Kneeling before the bed again, she lay the hot towel over Sarah's groin. It felt really good, and Sarah moaned involuntarily.

"How are your legs holding up?"

"Really good," Sarah answered in a whisper. She put her head back and closed her eyes as Jordan thoroughly cleaned her. She gasped as warm breath blew on her sex.

"I want you to tell me if this hurts or is uncomfortable."

Sarah nodded. And then she felt a kiss between her legs. Her eyes shot open. A hot tongue licked the newly shorn skin. Reflex made her want to say 'stop', but it felt unexpectedly good. She felt one of her outer lips sucked into Jordan's mouth and she shuddered at the sensation.

"Did that hurt?"

"No."

"Do you want me to stop?"

Sarah felt herself getting wetter and her clitoris jumped. "God, no."

Having her legs bound the way they were made it impossible to move. Sarah could not have escaped Jordan's mouth even if she wanted to. She lost track of time as Jordan licked, sucked and nibbled at her. It had never felt like this. It felt like her sex was swollen to twice its normal size and each moment it became more sensitive.

"I didn't know," she moaned. "I never...oh god, Jordan...don't stop. Please don't stop."

A soft tongue slipped between her lips in a long, slow lick. Sarah cried out in delight. "Oh god...more..."

It was unlike anything she had ever felt before. It was warm and intimate. It was more intense than anything they had ever done. The past melted away and there was just now. Sarah felt like a piece of chocolate melting in the passion of Jordan's mouth. She was dissolving from the inside out. Jordan was swallowing her whole. Her sense of self was collapsing in on itself and Sarah became nothing more than sensation.

She was aware when long fingers entered her, but it was not a feeling separate from all the others. The pressure inside her heart and belly grew impossibly large and she gasped for air.

A gentle suck and a flick of tongue on her clit threw her into an eternity of ecstasy. Sarah forgot herself for a time in the bliss of it. She was only marginally aware of her bonds being released and being gathered in Jordan's loving embrace.

Sarah moved to tears in the space of a heartbeat. She cried for a long time within her lover's arms, their bodies rocking on the bed. Jordan hummed a little song over and over. Sarah felt empty and cleansed and so tired.

The smell of coffee woke her only moments later. Sarah took a deep breath and blinked her eyes open. Jordan sat next to her, fully dressed, a beautiful smile on her face. "Hey."

"Hey," Jordan said softly. "I let you sleep as long as I could."

Sarah frowned. "School."

"I know, baby. I've got your clothes ready and had Cirenio bring the car over. I'll even drive you, so you don't have to wake up completely for a while yet."

Sarah curled around Jordan's hips. "I don't want to go."

"I know, baby. But if you don't, you'll be angry with yourself later. I'll come with you, okay?"

Sarah knew she was right, but she pouted anyway. She let Jordan dress her with a minimum of fuss and almost laughed when Jordan carried her out to the car. The coffee helped her to feel a bit more awake. Jordan drove efficiently, a hand on Sarah's thigh when it wasn't otherwise engaged.

"Jordan?"

"Yes?"

"Is it like that for you? So intense?"

"Every time."

"I didn't know."

"Now you do."

Sarah put a hand on Jordan's arm as she down-shifted. "You're good at that, you know."

"I'm glad you think so. Thank you for allowing me to do it. It was amazing. You taste so good and you're so responsive. I hoped it would be good for you, but I just wasn't sure."

"It was better than good, Jordan. If I had known it would be like that, I would have begged you to do it sooner."

"I have a theory."

"About what?"

"Why it was good for you this time and not before."

"I think it's because you're good at it," Sarah smiled.

Jordan smiled right back. "As much as I would like to take all the credit, I think it's more."

"Let's hear your theory."

"This was the first time you did it with someone you love. Someone you feel safe with. I think love and trust are critical for oral pleasuring."

Sarah considered it thoroughly. "I think you're right, but I think being tied up was a contributing factor, too."

"Why?"

Sarah yawned as she laid her head back. "Remember the first time we made love in the dungeon? You asked me what I loved about being bound and I said I'd have to think about it."

"I remember."

"Well, I've been thinking about it. I'm not sure I fully understand it, but I'm pretty clear about two parts of it that excite me. The first is that it touches on my survival instincts. I know I'm safe with you but being tied up seems to trigger an involuntary primal reaction in me. It's scary to be that vulnerable. But knowing that I'm safe changes that fear into arousal. I don't know how or why, but that seems to be what I feel."

"Okay. What's the second part?"

Sarah stared at her lover while she searched for the words. "I'm not sure how to express it, but it's all about feeling like I don't have a choice. Or maybe control is the word I'm searching for. I'm not sure. When you tie me up, it feels like I'm completely helpless. Like everything that happens is inevitable and there is nothing I can do to stop it. I don't even feel like my body belongs to me. It belongs to you and everything I do, and feel, is something you take from me. I'm not responsible for any of it."

Jordan glanced over at Sarah. "And you enjoy that?"

"God, yes!"

A smile flickered briefly across Jordan's lips. "You should know that what you're saying isn't something I understand in my gut."

Sarah reached out and put a hand on Jordan's thigh. "That's why I'm trying to explain it to you. Not so much so you will understand, but so you will accept that it's something I need. The way you were this morning...you didn't ask. You just did it. That's part of what I found so exciting about it. There was no coddling or explaining first. You did what you wanted to do. You took all of the responsibility and I was free to experience what you made me feel. I love that."

"I'll have to take your word for it."

"Jordan, if I had my way, I'd be bound by you, one way or another, all the time."

"Really?"

Sarah smiled at the shock on Jordan's face. "Try me."

Jordan glanced at Sarah again, but this time her smile was positively wicked.

"I think I've unleashed a monster," Sarah giggled.

"I have so many ideas right now."

"Good." Sarah took a sip of her coffee and closed her eyes. "I can still feel your mouth on me."

"I can still taste you," Jordan said in a husky whisper.

"I want you to do it again."

"I will, baby. You can count on it."

~***~

Jordan was in the hallway when Sarah's first class ended. She was standing against a wall, her hands buried in her pockets, and Sarah wanted to throw her down on the floor and make love to her. She walked straight up to her lover and stretched up on her toes to kiss her. "Hey. How long have you been waiting?"

"All my life," Jordan said with dreamy eyes.

Touched by the sentiment, Sarah laid her head under Jordan's chin. "Me, too."

Jordan's arms circled Sarah for a warm embrace. "Don't you have about an hour free right now?"

"Yes."

"You need something more than coffee. I'll buy you breakfast. Where's the nearest place to get something to eat?"

Securing her backpack over one shoulder, Sarah took Jordan's hand and led her to the café in the Student Union. Most of what they served was pastries and bagels, but Sarah didn't have a lot of time. She ordered a carton of orange juice and a toasted bagel topped with cream cheese and walnuts. Jordan chose a brownie, two chocolate chip cookies and a large coffee.

They took their food to a table by the windows and sat down. They couldn't seem to stop smiling at each other. It felt to Sarah that she was falling in love with Jordan all over again. "I can't believe you waited outside my class."

"I hope you don't mind. I just didn't want to be away from you today."

"I didn't want to be away from you either. God, I love you."

Jordan beamed. "Eat. I don't want to be worrying about you."

Sarah dug into her food. She had a mouthful when Jordan began to speak.

"Have you thought anymore about the money situation? You know, I pay for bills and you pay for fun?"

Sarah struggled to swallow and ended up talking around her food. "Haven't had much time to."

"True. But is it something you think you might be willing to try? Maybe on a trial basis? Say...six months?"

It sounded perfectly reasonable. If it wasn't working, they could always talk it out and come up with something else. She nodded.

"Good. I want to get you a cell phone."

Sarah raised her eyebrows.

"If I'm paying for the bills," Jordan went on, "one of them is going to be the phone bill. Seems like I should be able to pay for whatever type of phone service I want. I can get you a cell phone and add you to my plan for almost nothing. Are you going to argue with me about it?"

Sarah almost choked as she started to laugh. Jordan was asking and not asking all in the same sentence. It was too funny to start a fight over it and Jordan was right. If she was paying for phone service, she should be able to pay for what she wanted. If she wanted Sarah to have a cell phone, then Sarah would accept it. "I don't feel like arguing today."

"Good. I'll go out and pick one up while you're in your next class."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Sarah watched Jordan take a big bite of her cookie. "I want to trade the Jaguar for a Toyota Prius."

Jordan's eyes widened. "Why?"

"Gas mileage mostly. The Jag is a great car, but at best, it gets yardage. Also, it's not very practical for everyday driving. There isn't much room in it. Don't get me wrong, I love that car, but I think a Prius is more my style. If you like, you can buy it back for the thousand I paid you. I've got enough money to buy myself a car without using the Jag as a trade-in."

Jordan took a drink of her coffee as she thought about it. "No, I think you should use it as a trade. It's your car. I've been wanting to look into the Prius myself. It might be a good choice for Maggie. Her Taurus is getting old. Do you mind if I come with you?"

Sarah's relief was great. "I was hoping you'd come. You've got a lot more experience at buying cars than I do. I was worried about getting taken."

"We can go after school."

"Thanks."

~***~

As it turned out, the Jaguar was worth considerably more than Sarah had realized. Cirenio's detailed records of maintenance on the Jaguar and its low mileage meant that it was worth more than blue book. Sarah was able to get a fully loaded Prius. It had leather seats, satellite radio, emergency and first aid kits, cargo net, air bags and all-weather floor mats. It was a blue pearl in color and Sarah loved it.

She also received a check for $9,000 to cover the difference in values. She knew that she would not have received such a large amount had Jordan not been there. The salesman kept calling Sarah 'little lady' and only began to negotiate in earnest when Jordan took over. Sarah tried to give the check to Jordan, but Jordan refused it. Sarah decided she would open a checking account with it to start their entertainment fund.

Jordan was impressed with the car. It offended her sense of style, but the economy of it was overwhelming. She promised that she would have Maggie there as soon as it was practical to have a look at one.

Sarah was signing papers to relinquish the Jaguar and take possession of the new Prius when she felt a prickly feeling crawl up her spine. She tried to shrug it off, but it persisted. There was no reason for it. Jordan was out on the showroom floor and Sarah turned to look for her. She saw the tall woman with a newspaper in hand, her body stiff and her color pale.

"Is something wrong?" the salesman asked.

"I don't know," Sarah replied absently. Setting the pen aside, she went out to Jordan and put a hand on her back. "What is it?"

"The bastard did it," Jordan said in a quiet, yet harsh tone. "He outted me."

"I thought his editor wouldn't let him without good reason."

"He tied it in with the shelter kicking me off the board."

Sarah took the paper and read the article. She was not surprised that Westman slanted the entire story in favor of the shelter's board of directors. He made it sound like everything Jordan had done for battered women in their community was suspect because of her hidden gender. It was disgusting and there was nothing she could do to make it better for Jordan.

"I'm sorry, love."

Jordan's shoulders were slumped. "I knew he'd find a way. At least he left you out of it."

"I almost wish he hadn't."

"Don't wish that, baby. You've got enough on your shoulders right now. I knew this was coming. I'll handle it."

Sarah could see that Jordan was putting up a brave front, but she knew that her lover was hurting. "We'll handle it, love. You're not alone in this. No matter what the newspaper prints, I know the truth. You are all that is good and honorable. This," she shook the paper roughly, "is trash. I know it and you know it. So does everyone who knows you."

Jordan smiled weakly. "Thanks, babe. Go ahead and finish up with your car. You can drive us home."

Home sounded like a good idea. There was nothing Sarah could do for Jordan in the middle of a car dealership.

Part Seven

"I miss Maggie."

"So do I."

It had been a beautiful day. Not too hot and just the slightest breeze. The two of them were watching the sunset from Sarah's front steps as they drank lemonade. Sarah was feeling a little out of sorts since Maggie left for her cruise. "It's not even that I want or need something from her right now. It's just this nagging feeling that something is missing."

"I know, babe. I feel that way every year when she goes."

"So, it's not just me?"

"Nope."

Sarah set her glass between her feet and rested her elbows on her knees. "I can't even think of anything I want to do to take my mind off of it. I'm feeling all grumpy."

"I don't know what I want either, but I'm willing to bite someone to get it."

Sarah leaned away from her lover. "Where's Pete when you need him?"

Jordan chuckled. "Yeah, pounding on him might make me feel better."

"Maybe we could go to the batting cages. Knock some balls around."

"Maybe."

Sarah studied her lover. Something wasn't quite right with her. Things had been tense after the article in the paper, but Jordan claimed she was over that. She'd been better for a while, but now things were getting worse again. "Jordan?"

"Hmm?"

"What's going on? You've been kind of down for a while now. I'd really like to help if I can. Even if it's just by listening."

Jordan sighed, her eyes downcast.

"Is it me?"

"No, baby, it's not you."

"Then what is it? What's wrong?"

Jordan seemed to deflate. "Is it that noticeable?"

"Only because I love you."

"It's not just one thing. I just need some time to work it all out, but it's not you. Believe me. You're the one good thing in my life right now. Just be patient with me, okay?"

Sarah couldn't help but feel disappointed. She wanted Jordan to confide in her about her problems, but Jordan wouldn't, or couldn't, do it. "As long as it takes," she said lovingly. "I'll be here for you."

Jordan leaned over to kiss Sarah's cheek. "Thanks."

"My pleasure."

Several minutes passed in silence as the sun set. There were no clouds to make the sky more vivid, but it was pretty nonetheless.

"Finals," Jordan said abruptly.

"What about them?"

"They're not this week, right?"

"The following week," Sarah clarified.

Jordan nodded. "I was thinking that maybe you should skip the parties until they're over. Not much happens anyway and it might be less stressful for you if you have plenty of time to study."

It made sense. The last few parties Sarah had attended were quiet affairs. Folks dropped by for an hour or so to visit and then left. She wouldn't be missing anything. "If you think it's best."

"Yeah. I'll just come back here after they've gone."

"Okay."

The feeling that something was wrong got stronger. Sarah didn't know what to do. Until Jordan was ready to talk about it, all Sarah could do was be there for her lover. Scooting closer, she put an arm around Jordan's waist and laid her head on Jordan's shoulder. Love would have to be enough.

~***~

For the first few seconds, Sarah thought a bird had somehow flown inside her t-shirt and was trying to get out. She leapt to her feet and had her shirt halfway off before she realized it was her cell phone vibrating. Sarah fumbled the phone out of her shirt pocket, her face catching fire as people figured out what had happened and started laughing.

Pushing a button at random, she lifted the slim device to her ear. "Hello?"

"Hi, baby."

"Oh God," Sarah groaned. "You have no idea how bad I just embarrassed myself. Half the airport is laughing at me."

"I can hear them. What happened?"

Sarah stepped away from the common seating and leaned up against a support pillar so she could have a little privacy. "I thought a bird flew up my shirt."

"A bird?"

"I had the phone set on vibrate so it wouldn't bother anyone if it rang."

Jordan started to laugh.

"It's not funny."

Jordan disagreed by laughing even harder.

"I almost had my shirt off before I realized what it was," Sarah complained.

"Oh God," Jordan howled. "I can picture it. Pete's going to love it."

"You can't tell Pete," Sarah protested.

"Why not?"

Sarah grinned. "Because if you do, I'll tell him about our little adventure in Macy's the other day."

There was total silence on the line.

"Remember?" Sarah asked innocently. "I still can't figure out how you managed to immobilize yourself. It was just a bra. I know you haven't worn one in a while, but they aren't that hard to figure out."

"We agreed we wouldn't talk about that," Jordan said calmly.

"Well, now we're agreeing not to talk about me freaking out when my phone rang."

Jordan sighed. "Fine. Go ahead. Suck all the fun out of my life."

Sarah silently pumped an arm in victory. "I'll make it up to you."

"Oh, alright."

"Was there a reason you called?"

"Beyond just wanting to hear your voice?"

"Beyond that, yes."

"I need you to stop at Premium Liquors on the way home and pick up another couple bottles of Jameson's. I already called the store and paid for them. They just need a ride home."

Sarah rolled her eyes. Stephen Jennings, Jordan's financial wizard, had been at the estate for three days now and he drank like a fish. The bourbon he liked cost over $400 a bottle and he was going through them like they were spring water. Not to mention that he smoked cigars incessantly. Jordan tried to keep the smoking confined, but the entire house was beginning to reek.

Even worse, when Jordan wasn't looking, Stephen leered at Sarah like he wanted to dip her in barbeque sauce and gnaw on her bones. It was creepy.

She could have sworn that Jordan had told her she would like Stephen. It was a complete mystery why Jordan liked him. From what Sarah could see, there wasn't a single thing worth liking about the man. He was smug, pretentious and greedy. Sarah didn't like him at all, and she avoided him as much as possible. When she couldn't, she played like a mouse and tried to be invisible.

"Sure. The only problem is that it will be a while yet. Maggie's first flight was delayed. She made her second, but not the last one. She won't be here for another hour or so."

"Oh. She's going to be tired. Maybe I can get someone else to do it."

"That's alright. I'm sure Stephen can wait and if you already paid, it will only take a second. I don't mind and I'm sure Maggie will be okay with it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yep. It's not a problem."

"Thanks, baby. I appreciate it."

All Sarah could think was that the side trip meant that much less time spent in Stephen's noxious presence. "Anything else I can pick up for you?"

"I can't think of anything off the top of my head."

"Okay."

"I love you, baby."

"I love you, too."

Sarah found a place to sit after the call. With nothing better to occupy her time, she played with her phone. Jordan had downloaded a bunch of games into it. Most of them were puzzle and card games, but there were some run-jump-and-shoot games as well. Sarah learned quickly that she wasn't good at those. She found a pirate game and opened it just out of curiosity. Reading the 'help' file, she determined that it was a turn-based financial game. It sounded like something she could handle, so she initiated the game.

Right away it asked her to name her ship and captain. Sarah thought about it for a few minutes. She didn't want to choose anything cliche and being a pirate wasn't something she had ever played at as a child. It came to her suddenly and made her giggle.

Captain Clitoris of the Frigate Vulva was on the prowl. Mwahahahaha.

The hour passed quickly. When the arrivals and departures board showed Maggie's flight as having landed, Sarah put her phone away and went to stand where she could see down the terminal. She was excited about Maggie coming home. She hoped that Maggie's trip had been what she hoped for, but Sarah had missed her terribly. It would be good to have her back.

A lot of people were coming and going. It was impossible to tell if any of them were from Maggie's flight. She was beginning to worry that Maggie had missed another connection, but then she spotted her being driven on a motorized cart. Sarah broke into a smile. It was all she could do to refrain from jumping up and down like a game-show contestant. Maggie was home!

The cart barely came to a stop before Sarah was hugging the life out of Maggie. "God, I missed you!"

"I missed you too, dear. Where's Jordan?"

Sarah made a face. "Home with Stephen."

Maggie frowned. "I thought he would be gone by now."

"He arrived a few days late. Something to do with the fate of the free world, from the way he tells it."

Maggie snorted her displeasure at the news and turned to talk to the skycap. She gave him her claim tickets and some money, and he left with a smile to fetch her luggage. Taking Sarah's hand, she found some seats and plopped down into one. "Lord, I'm bushed. They do what they can to make travel comfortable, but it still makes me feel like stale bread."

Sarah sat down beside her friend. "How was the cruise? Did you have a good time?"

"Oh, it was wonderful. If you ever have a chance to sail on a masted ship, do it. It's just the most amazing thing. One minute it was calm and peaceful and the next it was a flurry of activity. Watching those young people climbing the rigging was breathtaking. At times I felt as if I had traveled back in time. It gave me a whole new appreciation for our ancestors. They accomplished astonishing things with what they had."

Sarah was grinning from ear to ear. It was nice to see Maggie enthusiastic about her trip. "You have to tell me everything."

"I'll do better than that. I kept a journal."

"Really?"

"Oh yes. When my memory goes, reading the journal will be like taking the trip all over again. It's full of trinkets and souvenirs. Silly things mostly, but I think you'll enjoy reading it."

"I can't wait."

Maggie folded her hands in her lap and looked seriously at Sarah. "So, how's it going with Stephen?"

Sarah sighed. "I can't stand him, Maggie. For the life of me, I can't see what Jordan likes about him. He brags all the time and nothing is ever enough for him. He's horrible."

"I was hoping to avoid seeing him this year."

"I don't blame you."

Maggie patted Sarah's arm. "He can't help it, dear. Is he still drinking?"

"Like a fish. What do you mean? Why can't he help it?"

"He has a narcissistic personality disorder. It's only begun to manifest the last four years or so. He was so sweet and gentle before."

Sarah felt like a jerk. Here she was hating the guy and it turned out that he had mental problems. "Why isn't he on medication?"

"It can't be medicated. He needs psychotherapy, but he can't admit that he needs it. Denial is at the root of his condition. It's so sad. Watching him destabilize is heart wrenching."

"Why didn't Jordan tell me?"

"You would have to ask him, dear, but we both know that keeping secrets for others is a fundamental part of his personality."

"True," Sarah admitted.

"Oh," Maggie moaned. "I'll be so glad to get home. I want to take a long bath and sleep until tomorrow."

"Maybe I should go get the car and meet you outside."

"Would you? You're such a sweet girl."

Sarah had forgotten that Maggie wasn't home when she'd traded the Jaguar. She beamed with pride as Maggie oohed and aahed over the car.

"It's so quiet."

"It only uses the gas engine when it needs to. I'm still getting used to how quiet it is. Cirenio is going to keep it next week to put a special battery in the back."

"Why?"

"It's a lithium-ion battery that will run the car for fifty miles before needing to be recharged. When it runs out of juice, the car reverts to normal, but with the battery it will only use a half a gallon of gas over that fifty miles. I really like the idea of getting a hundred miles to the gallon."

"Especially with gas prices the way they are."

"Jordan is talking about getting you one, too."

Maggie smiled. "He can be the sweetest boy."

"Even if he's a girl?"

"Even then."

~***~

Maggie's journal was incredible. It was filled with all sorts of trivia about the voyage itself, but the stories of the other passengers made it so much fun. Every funny or sweet thing that Maggie witnessed on the cruise had found a place in the pages. In between stories were little line drawings. Sarah was surprised at how good an artist Maggie was.

There were pictures of passengers, sunsets, birds and islands throughout the pages, and they made Sarah feel as if she had actually been there. Also tucked within the pages were little souvenirs: cocktail napkins, a feather, a drink umbrella, several flowers, matchbooks and postcards. It was a treasure chest of memories. She might not know where they were going, but Sarah decided that she would keep a journal just like it when Jordan took her away after school.

Sarah was sitting on the floor beside Maggie's chair in the den. The old woman was sleeping, her mouth hanging open. A big box sat on the other side of Maggie and Sarah desperately wanted to open it. There were presents in it.

Jordan and Stephen were on the other side of the room. Financial statements were spread out over a desk and Jordan was trying to understand them. Stephen might have been able to help, but he was three sheets to the wind and not making much sense at all. Fortunately, he was not smoking one of his noxious cigars.

Maggie had walked into the house earlier, hugged Stephen, and then informed him that it was rude to smoke in a house of non-smokers. She had been very stern. To Sarah's surprise, Stephen had been very gracious about it. The house still smelled, but not as bad. In time the scent of smoke would fade completely.

Now that she knew about Stephen's disorder, Sarah was able to be much more forgiving. She still didn't particularly like him and the way he looked at her was just wrong, but he was easier to tolerate now. Unless he spoke to her directly, Sarah tuned him out.

Sarah was reading about the day and a half Maggie spent in Barbados when Jordan threw her hands up.

"I'm just not getting it, okay? You've explained it a dozen times and it makes less sense now than when you started."

"It's really very simple," Stephen sighed dramatically.

"Enough," Jordan barked as she abruptly stood. "I'm going for a walk to clear my head. We'll try this again when I get back."

Sarah watched Jordan stalk out of the room and glanced at Stephen. He was shaking his head as if he'd been dealing with a particularly stupid child. Sticking her thumb in the journal to save her place, she asked, "What are you trying to explain?"

Stephen sniffed at her. "Now your talents extend outside the bedroom?"

Fighting against the urge to poke him in the eye with a sharp stick, Sarah took a page from Maggie's book. "That was unnecessary. I don't deserve that from you."

Stephen stared at her for a long moment as if he were undecided how to proceed. "Would you be willing to sign a cohabitation agreement?"

Sarah blinked. It was not what she expected him to say. "Yes."

"Good," he said as he began looking through his papers. "I've got one here."

That made her nervous. Sarah was not against signing the agreement. She had been expecting Jordan to bring it up for some time, but it was something she assumed she would do with Jordan. To have Stephen shoving one in her face was not the way she'd seen it happening.

"Ah. Here it is. Come on over and we'll get this done."

Maggie was still asleep. Sarah wished she were awake to help with this. Setting aside the trip journal, Sarah reluctantly approached the desk.

"There's a lot of legalese here, but I'll help you through it."

Sarah sat down and took the three-page document. "I'll read through it and ask if I have questions."

"Very well. This is a smart move on your part. It protects you from being taken advantage of."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "As the wealthier party, Jordan will benefit more from this document than I do."

"You could see it that way. Or you could see that losing half of your assets would hurt you far more than Jordan losing half of hers."

"Losing Jordan would hurt me more than losing all of my...assets."

"Hmm...yes, well..."

The agreement seemed pretty standard but for a few sections. If Sarah cheated on Jordan, she forfeited everything. If Jordan cheated on Sarah, she had to pay the equivalent of ten years of Sarah's salary at the time. After ten years, Sarah was automatically due five million dollars upon dissolution of the relationship. Provided the relationship didn't end due to infidelity before that ten years, Sarah could expect to receive fifty thousand dollars for each year they had been together. Anything they bought jointly would be divided appropriately, but the assets they held prior to the signing of the agreement were untouchable.

Sarah finished reading and sat back to think.

"Problem?"

Stephen was sitting beside her with a pen in his hand. The smell of bourbon rolled off of him like a wave and was making her nauseous. "Just considering."

"This is more than fair. You won't get a better deal than this. And really, it's not like you can get married. You don't have a right to expect anything at all. You should feel lucky to be getting this much."

Personality disorder or not, enough was enough. "Screw you, Stephen." She passed Jordan on her way outside.

"Where are you going?"

"Home."

"What's wrong?"

"Ask your friend."

"Sarah."

Stopping on the back steps, Sarah looked up at her lover. "I don't care what's wrong with him," she said angrily. "He's an asshole. I'll sign whatever you want (though I could have done without having a price tag on our relationship), but I don't want to see him again. I'm sorry, but that's just how it has to be."

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"The cohabitation agreement," Sarah all but screamed.

Jordan's face got hard. "I'll kill him."

"You do that."

She left Jordan there and stomped home. What Stephen said hurt. The clauses about infidelity hurt. The idea of planning for the loss of their love had hurt the most. Sarah broke into tears as soon as she got inside her house.

She was down to sniffles and the occasional hiccup when Maggie walked in without knocking. The old woman went straight to Sarah and embraced her.

"You poor thing," Maggie crooned.

Sarah broke into fresh sobs. It was embarrassing to cry because she was angry, but she couldn't help it.

"That's it, honey. You just cry it all out. It'll make you feel better and then we can talk while we wait for Jordan."

Wait for Jordan? Curiosity dried up her tears and Sarah sat back to look at Maggie. "Where is Jordan?"

"Packing Stephen's things. She's taking him to the airport."

"She's kicking him out?"

Maggie caressed Sarah's hair. "She's giving him thirty days to get into therapy. If he doesn't do it, she's going to fire him."

"But...I didn't...she can't..."

"Shh. I don't know exactly what was said, honey, but I saw the papers. Jordan is furious. She had nothing to do with drawing them up. She's worried that you think she did."

"I wasn't sure," Sarah admitted. She reached for a tissue and dried her tears. "It's not the papers anyway. I'll sign anything she wants. I don't have a problem with it. It only makes sense for her to have an agreement like that."

"What hurt your feelings then?"

Sarah bit the inside of her cheek to keep from crying again. "Basically, that we don't have a real relationship and that I should feel lucky to get anything at all. And I do. Every single day I wake up and I know how lucky I am to have Jordan in my life. You, Pete, Amanda, my friends at school; all of it. Not a moment goes by that I'm not completely aware of how fortunate I am. But Stephen was making it all about how much money I was going to get if we don't work out. I don't care about that. This is not a business proposition for me."

"That's not what it is for Jordan either, honey. You didn't see how angry she was. I've never seen her like that."

Sarah laid her head on Maggie's lap with a sigh. "I didn't mean to come between them."

"Don't think that, dear. Stephen's condition came between them, not you. This has been a long time coming. I think, in the long run, that this will be good for Stephen. He needed someone he values to stand up to him and point him in the right direction. It should have happened years ago."

Sarah closed her eyes as Maggie played with her hair. "Some homecoming this has been for you. All you wanted was a hot bath and a good night's sleep and you ended up with all this drama."

"It's good to be home," Maggie chuckled.

Sarah tilted her head up to look at Maggie. "I love you."

Maggie smiled gently. "I love you too, honey."

While they waited for Jordan to return, Maggie went home to shower, and Sarah retrieved the box of gifts from the big house. Sarah was delighted with her gifts. Maggie got her two sarongs. One of them was a royal blue with a lighter blue pattern of leaves on it. The other was a deep purple with flowers hand-painted on it. Fortunately, Maggie also brought instructions on how to wear one. Sarah stripped down and tried it out. It was the most comfortable thing she'd ever worn.

The other thing Maggie brought her made her laugh with delight. It started with a large ceramic bowl done in blues and greens. Into it, Maggie poured enough white beach sand to fill it. Then she was given a Ziploc bag full of rocks and shells Maggie had collected from different beaches. Maggie called it a Caribbean Zen Garden. Sarah was enchanted with it. To be able to touch something from so far away was quite amazing. The sand still held the scent of the ocean. Each rock was unique, and the shells were as perfect as they were beautiful.

Sarah got it all arranged just so and Maggie put a colorful drink umbrella in it to finish it off. "This is the best gift ever," Sarah said truthfully. "I love it."

Jordan arrived a short time later. She still looked angry. Sarah swallowed nervously and stood up. "I'm sorry, Jordan. I just couldn't..."

"Don't. It wasn't your fault, but we do need to talk."

Maggie made as if to go, but Jordan stopped her. Holding a hand out for Sarah, Jordan waited until she took it and led her into the kitchen. Sarah's belly was full of butterflies.

Jordan took papers from a pocket and opened them. "This is the agreement Stephen wanted you to sign. I knew nothing about it and would not have approved of this if I had."

"I know."

"You believe me?"

"Of course I do. I'm sorry that I snapped at you like I did."

"No forgiveness is necessary." Jordan dangled the paper in Sarah's view. "Do you think we need an agreement like this?"

Sarah considered her words carefully. She didn't know what Jordan wanted to hear, but she had to be honest. "I think it's smart for you to have one, but I hope we don't ever need one. If we do...split up...I don't want anything. There's not enough money in the world to make up for losing you."

Jordan looked like she was going to cry. She struggled with her emotions for a few seconds and then took a deep breath. "We're not going to need one because we're never going to split up. Not ever."

Sarah fought her own emotions. She'd done enough crying for one day. "That might be long enough."

Jordan looked confused. "Long enough for what?"

"For loving you."

The cohabitation agreement was forgotten as Jordan held Sarah close. "I'm sorry about Stephen. I should have warned you, but I was hoping he was better. I didn't know he was going to hurt you. I'm so sorry."

"It's okay," Sarah said into a strong shoulder. "Even when it's bad, you're the best thing I've ever felt."

Several minutes passed in silence, their bodies rocking back and forth. After the stress of the last few days, they needed this connection.

"Sarah?"

"Hmm?"

"What is this you're wearing?"

Sarah pulled back and looked down at herself. "It's a sarong. Maggie brought me two of them. Do you like it?"

Jordan nodded her head slowly. "It's the sexiest thing I've ever seen."

Sarah grinned with pleasure.

"I'm buying you more of them."

"I'd like that. It's really comfortable."

Jordan glanced toward the living room and lowered her voice to a whisper. "After Maggie leaves, I'm going to peel this off you with my teeth."

Sarah shivered with anticipation. "I can't wait."

~***~

Finals week was intense. Sarah spent every moment reading and re-reading her course books. She felt confident that she would do well on her tests, but school was almost over. Sarah couldn't help feeling like this was her last chance to absorb what her professors had been trying to teach her. She wanted everything they could give her.

Jordan and Maggie were very helpful. Between them, Sarah's needs were taken care of. Maggie cooked for her and kept her cottage cleaned. Jordan took to quizzing her when Sarah was bathing, eating and dressing. The two of them kept distractions to a minimum and Sarah took full advantage of the extra study time. Having the support was invaluable.

And then it was over. Sarah stepped out of her last final late on Friday afternoon with a sigh of relief and trepidation. School was over. She had achieved what she set out to do. She had graduated from college. Of course, graduation wasn't for a week, but that was just a formality.

"Hey."

Sarah turned to Tamar with a smile. "Hey."

"You okay?"

"Yeah. It just hit me that I'm done. It's over."

"For you," Tamar teased. "I'm on to law school now."

Sarah looped her hand through Tamar's arm with a laugh. "Do you know where yet?"

"Little Rock, Arkansas."

"Interesting choice."

"It's a good school. I won a scholarship and I can live with cousins."

"That's great, Tee. I'm happy for you."

"I'm pretty excited. What about you? Have you found a job yet?"

"Not yet" Sarah admitted. "Of course, it might help if I was actually looking. I've got the vacation with Jordan after graduation and I'm reluctant to look seriously until after that. I'd hate to have to cancel this trip because of a job. Jordan would be so disappointed."

"Do you know where you're going yet?"

"Well, I've gotten her to admit that it's not Antarctica or the moon. Beyond that, I have no idea."

"It's so romantic. Being swept away to an unknown location with the hottest guy/girl on the planet. You're so lucky."

"I know," Sarah grinned smugly.

"Hey, did you hear about Lisa?"

"I haven't heard anything about anyone for over a week. Why? What happened?"

"She got caught cheating."

Sarah was shocked. "Are you serious?"

"She was buying term papers. Previously used term papers. They kicked her out of school."

Part of Sarah wanted to celebrate, but her over-riding feeling was pity. Lisa was no genius, but she wasn't a slouch either. She could have graduated on her own merits and gone on to do whatever her abilities would allow. Instead, she threw her potential credentials away on a shortcut.

"I didn't know," Sarah said. "I thought she was smarter than that."

"Apparently not. I thought you'd be happier."

"I thought I would be, too, but it's just such a waste. She was this close to graduating and now it's gone. She might be able to get into another school to finish up, but it's going to be harder. Maybe I should be glad after the crap she pulled, but I just feel sorry for her."

"You are one weird chick," Tamar teased.

"What does it say about you that you're my friend?"

"Bite me."

"Don't tempt me."

Tamar rolled her eyes dramatically. "You're such a perv."

"But you like that about me."

"There is that" Tamar sighed. "The three of us should get together this week. One last blow out before we leave the nest."

"I'd like that."

"Good. I'll talk to Janet and give you a call."

~***~

Sarah opened the door to her house and a smile bloomed on her face. Jordan was stretched out on the easy chair, her feet crossed on the ottoman and her hands behind her head. She was buck naked except for a strap-on sporting a Day-Glo purple dildo and a smirk.

"Well, well. Looks like it's my lucky day."

Sarah put on her best serious face. "Who are you and what are you doing in my house?"

"Jest restin' mah feet, little lady," Jordan drawled in a disturbingly bad cowboy accent. "Ah'm right tuckered out."

"You'd best be moving on before the neighbors come to see why I'm screaming, mister."

"Nah. All the neighbors be out. E'en that nosy old woman nex' door. We be all alone. Ya kin scream all ya want."

Sarah was having a hard time not laughing, but she liked where it was going. She began to take off her clothes, leaving them in a pile behind the door. "You wouldn't force me, would you?"

"Cain't hardly call it forcin' if'n yer on top, now kin ya?"

Sarah kicked off her shoes and let her jeans fall. "I have to tell you that I'm a lesbian."

"I kin do that," Jordan said as she flicked her tongue out.

Sarah bit her lip to keep from giggling. "I have a girlfriend. She would not approve."

"Well now, what she don't know won't hurt 'er none." Jordan patted her lap. "Why don't ya come on o'er and have yerself a seat. I'll show ya what a real man kin do."

Naked, Sarah straightened up and put her hands on her hips. "I don't think so."

"No sense in fightin' it, darlin'. Ya know ya want it." Jordan grabbed a hold of the dildo with one hand. "It's right purty, ain't it?"

"You aren't getting near me with that thing."

Jordan grinned. "Ya kin run, but ya cain't hide."

A crazy idea sprouted, and Sarah decided not to censor it. "Wanna bet?"

Two seconds later she was running across the lawn, giggling.

"Come back here, you wench!"

Jordan's shout spurred Sarah on. The giggles grew into laughter as she ran towards the big house.

"Do you have any idea how hard it is to run in one of these things?"

Laughing too hard to run, Sarah stopped and clutched her middle, trying to catch her breath. Turning, she saw Jordan standing on her porch, hands on her hips, the dildo standing out like a flagpole.

Sarah took a deep breath and shook her tits at her lover. "You wanna piece of this? Bring it on, big man!"

"Oh, that does it!"

Jordan leapt from the porch and started to run. The dildo was flapping side to side and Sarah laughed so hard she snorted. It was the funniest thing she had ever seen. In the next instant, she realized that Jordan was moving really fast. A tendril of panic gave her legs a shot of adrenalin and she was running again.

In a straight out run, she knew that Jordan would catch her quickly. She needed something to slow Jordan down. She made for the big house. Flying through the kitchen door, she toppled a chair as she went by, praying that Jordan didn't hurt herself getting by it. Making her way through several more rooms and creating obstacles, she put a small distance between them.

It would be too easy to get trapped in the house, so Sarah went out the front door. She knew it was a mistake as soon as she did it. There was nowhere to hide. Trees and hedges would not help her. The only thing she could see that might be of some use was the gazebo. She could almost feel Jordan on her heels.

Sarah wanted to stop running and figure out why she was scared. She wasn't sure how it had happened. Taking off from her house had been a game. Somewhere between there and here it had changed. She wanted it to be fun again.

Sarah was steps away from the gazebo when long arms wrapped around her and lifted her off the ground. She screamed as they came to a stop.

"I've got you," Jordan panted into her ear. "I've got you."

Sarah calmed almost immediately. This was Jordan. She was safe.

"You have a safe word," Jordan whispered.

Sarah gulped air for a few seconds as she realized that they were playing. She could stop this whenever she wanted to. Knowing that changed everything. She nodded to let Jordan know she understood.

"You sure can run, girl," Jordan said in a rough tone. "But I've got you now."

The fear receded even more. "What are you going to do to me?"

"I'm going to fuck you so hard you won't be able to walk."

Sarah groaned as she felt her body provide all the lubrication Jordan would need. "Please, mister. Don't."

"You know you want it."

Jordan's hands were everywhere. They were rough and gentle all at once as they stroked her.

"Tell me you want it, girl."

The naked passion in Jordan's voice stripped away Sarah's resistance. Her entire body was trembling with need. Her nipples hardened under his expert touch and her clit was throbbing.

"Tell me you want it."

Sarah cried out as long fingers slipped between her legs and rubbed her clitoris.

"You're so wet," Jordan moaned. "I want you so bad. I want to put my cock in you and make you scream."

Sarah was past thought. She was so close to coming. Her knees began to buckle, and she was lowered to the ground. Jordan's hands forced her to her knees and Sarah put her hands down for balance. She felt the dildo between her legs, stroking the length of her sex and she shivered.

"Do you want me? Do you want to feel me inside of you? Filling you up, making you come? Do you want that? Let me fuck you, baby. Let me inside."

Jordan's words were as exciting as her touch. She could feel Jordan's hips rocking against her ass and it was almost more than she could take. She wanted it all.

"Do it," Sarah gasped. "Go inside."

"Say you want me," Jordan growled.

"I want you. Oh, please."

"I'm gonna fuck you, baby."

"Yes yes yes," Sarah chanted mindlessly.

Jordan's hands grasped Sarah by the hips and lifted her knees off the ground. Sarah arched her back and screamed her pleasure as Jordan plunged into her. Passion overwhelmed her as Jordan pumped into her relentlessly. Nothing existed beyond the onslaught of sensation, but she could feel everything. The burning sun on her back, a cool breeze over heated skin, blades of grass tickling her nipples as they swayed from the force of Jordan's thrusts, powerful hips driving against her ass, the pressure inside pushing her to the edge. The intensity grew and Sarah gasped for air.

Jordan stilled deep within Sarah, her hips grinding, and she came with a high-pitched ululation of sound. Sarah followed with a soundless scream.

"Good God," Jordan panted. "That was intense."

Sarah groaned aloud as her lover withdrew and lowered her to the ground. Sprawled out in the grass, she concentrated on breathing, her body boneless and spent. She managed to open one eye as Jordan fell to the grass beside her.

"You alright?" Jordan asked.

"Uh huh."

"I didn't hurt you?"

Sarah licked her lips. "You were awesome."

Jordan stretched out with a smirk. "I was, wasn't I?"

Smiling, Sarah managed to roll onto her back. "Yes, you were." The grass tickled, but it was cool and welcome. "You do realize that we are lying naked in your front yard?"

"I ain't nekkid."

Sarah lifted her head to see the dildo rising from Jordan's groin. "I don't think wearing a purple dick qualifies as being clothed."

"It should," Jordan sighed contentedly. "But we've got to start doing a better job of using condoms."

"If I'm pregnant, you're in so much trouble."

Jordan laughed helplessly. It was contagious and Sarah laughed with her. They rolled to face each other, the sun coating their bodies with warmth.

"It got a little real for you, didn't it?"

Sarah placed a hand on Jordan's hip, grounding herself on the soft skin. "Yeah. One second it was just a game and the next I was scared. But you made it better."

"It happens like that sometimes," Jordan said with a gentle smile. "Just remember that you can always stop me."

"I know, but can we analyze this some other time?"

Jordan's eyes opened wide. "You have something in mind?"

Sarah trailed her fingers over Jordan's belly, smiling at the catch in Jordan's breathing. "Oh yeah."

"And what might that be?"

"Well, I thought you could do the caveman thing and carry me home," Sarah said coyly. "And then..."

"And then...?"

"I'd like to spend the next hour or so sucking on your clit."

Jordan gulped. "I see."

"It would make me very happy."

"Your happiness is very important to me."

"I know it would be a huge sacrifice on your part..."

"Terrible."

"...But, I'll try to make it up to you."

Jordan climbed to her feet. "The things I do for you..."

"I know." Sarah took Jordan's hand and allowed herself to be pulled up, finding herself over Jordan's shoulder in the next move. Wiggling to get comfortable, she smiled. "You know, the view from here is amazing."

"Oh yeah?"

Sarah reached down with both hands to grab Jordan's backside. "Gitty up, pony boy." She yelped at the swat on her ass.

"Behave yourself."

Feeling the gorgeous backside tighten and relax under her hands, Sarah bit her lip. "Jordan?"

"Yes?"

"Um...that felt strangely good."

Jordan chuckled. "Maybe we can analyze that later, too."

It was Sarah's turn to gulp.

~***~

It was dark when Sarah woke up alone from her nap. It took her a few seconds to remember that Jordan was up at the big house with the players. Sarah stretched until she was dizzy and relaxed with a sigh. She felt really good. School was over and making love with Jordan had been amazing.

After several minutes of indulging in memories of the afternoon's activities, Sarah got up to take a shower. After that, she went in to make herself something to eat. It occurred to her while she ate a sandwich that she didn't have anything to do. There was no reason in the world why she couldn't go up and join Jordan at the party.

That decided, Sarah quickly cleaned the kitchen and went to dress. It wasn't a play party, so she pulled on jeans and a t-shirt.

The big house was quiet. Too quiet. Sarah stopped halfway up the stairs. The door was open. If there was anyone in there, she'd be able to hear them. So, if they weren't upstairs, where were they? And if there wasn't anyone there, where was Jordan?

Sarah began searching. She found Jordan in the solarium, sprawled out on the couch hidden behind the waterfall.

"Hey."

"Hi," Jordan said somberly.

"Where is everyone? Did they already leave?"

Jordan stared at her for a moment and then looked away. "There isn't anyone. No one showed up.”

Sarah wasn't sure what to think. "I don't understand."

"They ditched me, okay?"

The angry tone didn't fool Sarah for a second. Jordan was hurting. It explained why Jordan had been depressed. Sarah moved to sit beside her lover but was careful not to touch her. Not yet. "You've been up here alone? For weeks? Why didn't you tell me?"

Jordan looked like she was going to cry. "Not weeks, just tonight. But it’s not the same. I think they have a schedule set up where they come by to make it seem like they’re hanging in with me. Five or six people show up and we visit for an hour and then they leave."

Sarah opened her mouth to find out more, but something else was wrong. Why wasn't Jordan talking to her? What was holding her back? It came to her with quiet certainty. "You're worried that I'll stop seeing you as my top if I see you as anything less than strong and in control."

Jordan sat forward and buried her face in her hands.

Sarah put a hand on Jordan's back and began to rub in small circles. "Oh love, don't you know? It is the essence of who you are, not what you do, that makes you my top. I can't even imagine anything that would change that for me. Listen, you always make me feel like it is an honor and a privilege to be with me."

"It is."

"And so it is for me, too. Is that so hard for you to believe?"

Jordan's hands dropped to hang between her knees.

"You don't have to always be strong or happy or thoughtful for me to love you. I'm not that shallow. If you’re hurting, I need you to need me. I need to be the one you can talk to and cry on. I won't think you're weak. I promise."

Jordan was visibly struggling for control of her emotions.

"Tell me what's happening, sweetie."

Jordan spoke with effort. "I thought...they were my friends."

Sarah's heart broke. To have hundreds of friends suddenly abandon you...it would be devastating. Sarah gathered Jordan into her arms as the bigger woman began to sniffle. She felt terrible that she had not known this was going on. Had Pete known? Had Jordan been carrying the slow-motion betrayal all alone? Sarah cried in empathy. She wanted to hold Jordan close and kiss the wounds until the scars were gone. How could the players have done this? How did they justify it to themselves? Jordan gave and gave to them and all she asked in return was a little loyalty. Sarah hated them.

In time, Jordan calmed, her body limp across Sarah's lap. The sound of the waterfall was enough to fill the silence.

"It's not just the players," Jordan said quietly.

"There's more?"

Jordan nodded. "First it was the shelter business. Then, the other projects I've been working on started scheduling meetings and neglecting to tell me when they are. No one is keeping appointments. The whole town is shutting me out. Some of the lesbian players want to have a regular 'tea party', but the rest...they're just gone."

It was good to know that there were some who still wanted to spend time with Jordan. "I'm so sorry, sweetie. I just don't understand how people could do this to you. It's not like you committed a crime or anything. How do they justify stabbing you in the back like this?"

"Maggie was right. They were all just using me, and I didn't want to see it. They were imaginary friends and I believed in them. I feel like a fool."

Sarah wasn't sure what to say to make things better for her lover. The scope of the betrayal was too great to repair with a few words. "I think they encouraged you to believe in them, sweetie. It's not your fault."

"It doesn't matter whose fault it is."

"It does to me." The anger she had been holding back began to surface. "I want something bad to fall on every single one of them. I want to hurt them for hurting you. That jackass reporter is still hanging around. I see him sitting in his car outside the front gates now and then. I say we put all the dungeon equipment on the front lawn and let him have his story."

Jordan snorted in mild amusement.

"I mean it. You went to great lengths to protect their privacy and they betrayed you. They deserve to be exposed. Maybe we could find another reporter and have them write a story about how the town has turned on you."

"Nah. I don't want to do that."

"Then we'll think of something else. We can't just do nothing. What they're doing isn't right."

Jordan wiped her face and sat up. "I've had a lot of time to think. I know you love this house..."

"Wrong." Sarah almost smiled at the look of surprise she got. "I like this house, but I don't love it. I don't love your money or your cars or anything else you have. I just love you. If Stephen took all of your money and disappeared, I'd still love you."

"Oh." Jordan's eyes swam with tears, but they didn't fall. "I just assumed..."

Sarah took her lover's hands. "It's just you, sweetie. Nothing else."

Jordan nodded. "That makes this easier."

"Makes what easier?"

"Pitching my idea."

"Go for it."

Jordan took a deep breath and let it go. "Let's get the hell out of here. Fuck this town and fuck the players. Let's go."

Sarah blinked in surprise. "Where?"

"I don't care. Wherever you get a job is fine with me. I've given enough to this city. I don't want to give any more. Find a job you want, and we'll go there. Maybe I can start living more of my life as a woman. Maybe I can find some real friends. I just want to be with you and make a life. That's all."

Sarah was not at all against the idea, but it was somewhat of a shock. "What about the house?"

Jordan shrugged. "I don't know yet. Maybe I'll sell it. Maybe I'll donate it to some group that will piss off the city. Turn it into a nudist colony or make it a retreat for transgendered people." Jordan almost smiled. "That would make me feel pretty good, but it would drive the city crazy. I haven't decided yet."

"What about Maggie?"

"If I have to get down on my knees and beg her to come with us, I will. It won't be easy, but I'll do it. Unless you'd rather it was just the two of us?"

Sarah shook her head. "No. It wouldn't be home without Maggie."

Jordan smiled. "I'm glad you feel that way. As to the others, I'll offer to let them come with us, but I don't expect many takers. They have lives here beyond the jobs I give them. I'll set them up before we go, of course, but I think most of them will stay. Maybe even all of them."

Sarah was trying to wrap her head around it all. It was a huge change.

"Listen, baby. I know that it's a lot of responsibility to throw on your shoulders; choosing a new place for us to live. Don't think of it like that. Just look for a job you want. I'll handle the rest."

There was a pleading look in Jordan's eyes and Sarah realized that, in a way, Jordan was asking to be rescued. She needed Sarah to take this step for them. There was no way Sarah was going to let her down. "Alright. Let's do it."

"Really?"

Relief, wonder and hope infused Jordan's face and Sarah couldn't help smiling. "Really." She could hardly breathe through the crushing embrace Jordan gave her. "Easy, love."

"Thank you, baby. Thank you. Anywhere you want to go is fine. I don't care."

Sarah had not really been looking for work, but she had been reading the classifieds. One posted job in particular popped into her head. "Hey. Is yesterday's paper still around?"

"I think so," Jordan said as she pulled back.

"I need to see it."

Jordan found the newspaper in the den. Sarah flipped to the classifieds and quickly found the job she had rejected because it had been too far away for commuting. Now that they were going to move, it was a real possibility. "Take a look at this."

Jordan read the ad. "It's an auto shop."

"I wouldn't be fixing cars. It's basically a bookkeeper position, but I think I'd be the only one in the office. Running the place would kind of be my responsibility."

"They're not going to be able to pay you what you're worth. Not with your education."

"I'm not in it for the money yet. If they can give me the experience I need, it'll be more than fair, as far as I'm concerned. Do you know anything about Edgewater?"

Jordan nodded thoughtfully. "It's not that far. Maybe an hour and a half or two hours to get there, depending on which car I drive," she grinned. "It's pretty. Lots of trees and the river is right there. Much more of an artsy community than this one is."

"Is it the kind of place where you could be happy?"

Jordan dropped the paper and took Sarah's face in her hands. "I would be happy in hell if you were by my side."

"Hopefully, we won't have to find out if that's true," Sarah laughed.

Jordan's kiss lit Sarah up like a Christmas tree. Sarah pulled Jordan's hips closer to her own. "I'll call them on Monday morning. See if I can fax my resume and get an appointment for an interview."

"If you need anything from me, just ask. I'll do whatever I can to help you."

Sarah rubbed her breasts against Jordan as passion filled her. "You know what I want?"

"What's that, baby?"

"Tie me up," Sarah purred, "and do bad things to me."

"I can do that," Jordan said in a husky tone.

Sarah pulled her lover's mouth to her own and surrendered.

~***~

"How does it feel?"

"It's sore. I dread putting on a bra."

"Then don't. Give it a couple of days."

Sarah was fascinated with the silver ring through her left nipple. It was shocking, but so erotic. It had hurt having it done, but not nearly as much as she had feared. Jordan had pulled out all the stops the night before, making love to her repeatedly, the evening culminating in the piercing. At the time, Sarah had considered using her safe word to stop Jordan, but her curiosity had prevailed. Now she was glad she had allowed it. If it wasn't for the throbbing now, she would be playing with it. "How come you only did the one?"

"Gotta have one to play with while that one heals."

Sarah rolled her eyes at Jordan's smirk. "I'm not sure, but I think I really like it."

"I know I do."

Sarah lazily stretched, knowing that Jordan would appreciate the view. "I have almost a whole week off. All I have to do is pick up my cap and gown."

"And the honor cords," Jordan added. "Summa cum laude. I can't tell you how proud I am of you for graduating summa cum laude."

Sarah blushed shyly.

"It makes me feel smarter just being near you."

She giggled. Sarah loved the praise, but she wasn't sure what to do with it. "So, what are we going to do today, oh great and powerful wizard?"

Jordan performed her own morning stretch with a satisfied groan. "We need to talk to Maggie about moving and make sure she's going to come with us. I need to call Pete and have him set up a meeting with the staff. Then, I thought we could go shopping."

"For what?"

Jordan glanced at Sarah's nipple ring and licked her lips. "Jewelry. Lingerie. Whatever."

"I think it's funny that you like to shop."

"I love shopping. Don't you?"

"It's growing on me. Now that I have savings and can afford to actually buy things."

Jordan rose up on an elbow. "I hope you don't think you're paying today."

Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Jewelry and lingerie sound like entertainment items to me."

"Au contraire. They're a necessity. You can buy lunch."

Sarah suspected that "whose-money-to-use-for-what" would be a recurring battle between them. She was too happy to argue about it today. "Deal."

Jordan leaned over for a quick kiss and rolled out of bed. "Come on, lazy bones. We've got things to do and people to see."

Sarah smiled. Jordan was back.

~***~

When Maggie learned what had been going on, she was as mad as a hornet on methamphetamines after the money ran out. She was slamming pans and cursing a blue streak until she suddenly broke down in tears. Jordan went to her immediately and held her close.

"It's okay, Maggie. You were right. I should have listened to you."

"I never wanted this for you," Maggie sobbed. "How could they? After everything you've done for them, how could they?"

"Shh. It's okay, Mags. Everything is okay."

It took a few minutes to get Maggie calmed and sitting down so they could talk. Sarah kept her fingers crossed. Wherever they ended up, she really wanted Maggie to come with them.

"I never actually thought they would turn on you," Maggie sniffled. "I'm so angry."

"I know. Sarah thinks we should throw all the dungeon equipment outside and have a yard sale."

It wasn't exactly what Sarah had suggested, but it made Maggie snicker, so she let it pass.

"It's an excellent idea."

Jordan shook her head. "I'm not going to do that. Regardless of whether they deserve it or not, I made a promise to protect their privacy. I won't go back on my word."

"But they betrayed you! You have to do something!"

Jordan glanced at Sarah before speaking. "We have a plan."

"What is it?"

"Wherever Sarah gets a job, we're going to move there. We're leaving and we..."

"You're running away?" Maggie cried in disbelief. "That's your brilliant plan?"

"Why would I want to stay?" Jordan asked with some exasperation. "I don't want them back as friends. They can't be trusted. As for the committees I've been serving on, screw them. I'm taking my money with us. They'll have to find other sources. I've given enough. I'm done with them."

Maggie sputtered for a moment, then turned her eyes on Sarah. "You support this decision?"

"Yes," Sarah said simply. "They didn't stab me in the back. It's Jordan's decision to make. The only thing I care about is being with her. And you...if you'll come with us."

That stalled Maggie's objections for a moment. "Me?"

"We love you," Jordan said. "We want you to come with us."

"Where?"

Jordan shrugged. "We don't know yet. Wherever Sarah decides to get a job. Right now, she's looking at a job in Edgewater."

"Oh," Maggie said as she relaxed back in her chair. "It's nice there."

"Please, Maggie, come with us," Sarah pleaded. "It'll never be home unless you come with us. Please?"

Maggie studied both of them thoughtfully. "This is the true start of your lives together. Are you sure you want me tagging along?"

Jordan threw up her hands. "What do you want, old woman? An engraved invitation? Yes! We want you to come!"

Maggie folded her arms with a disapproving look. "Don't you take that tone with me, young man. I'll think about it. You want me to uproot myself, leave my friends and traipse off into the wilderness. I'm going to need some incentive."

Jordan dropped her head to the table and proceeded to bang her forehead on it. "Here it comes."

Sarah wanted to dance. Maggie was coming with them.

"I want my own cottage again, but closer to the house. I'm getting older, you know. I can't be making treks like that anymore. I could break a hip and then where would you be?"

Jordan groaned.

"I want one of those cars like Sarah has," Maggie pronounced. "In candy apple red."

Jordan lifted her head. "It doesn't come in that exact shade."

"Then have it painted. Don't be dense, dear."

Sarah laughed out loud as Jordan scowled. Maggie was in complete control and loving every minute of it.

"Anything else?" Jordan asked with false civility.

"Grandchildren before I die."

The stillness in the room was almost terrifying. Sarah held her breath, waiting for what Jordan would say.

"We have not yet discussed the possibility of having children," Jordan said evenly. "If we do decide it's something we want to do, you'll be the first to know."

Maggie pouted. "But I want your little babies to hold and spoil."

Jordan failed to contain a sigh. "How about a dog? Preferably something that won't bite my ankles and pee on the furniture."

"Deal," Maggie smiled smugly.

Sarah knew it was a foregone conclusion, but she had to ask. "So, you'll come?"

"Hell, yes!"

Sarah jumped up to hug the old woman. "I'm so glad. I was so afraid you wouldn't come with us."

"Of course I'm coming, honey." Maggie chuckled. "Especially since I finally get to have a dog!"

"Why couldn't you have a dog?"

"They don't like me," Jordan said grumpily.

Sarah moved to Jordan's side and ran her fingers through the dark hair. "We'll find one that does."

"Yeah, right." Jordan leaned forward to point at Maggie. "First time it bites me; I'm shaving it bald. Second time, I'm shaving you."

"Yes, dear," Maggie said primly.

~***~

"You should wear this under your gown at graduation."

Sarah turned to look and her mouth dropped open. Jordan was holding a sheer red corset. It was almost completely transparent, and the cups were clearly not full enough to actually cover her breasts. "I don't think so."

"Why not?" Jordan glanced at the lingerie briefly. "It's going to be freaking hot. You're going to sweat your life away and die of dehydration before they get through the first speech. It only makes sense to wear as little as possible. It's not like anyone will know what you're wearing under that hideous gown anyway. Besides, this doesn't have cups to irritate your..."

Sarah captured the finger wiggling its way toward her pierced nipple. "I am not going to wear that thing for graduation. Just forget about it."

Jordan's bottom lip poked out. "What about in private?"

Sarah blushed from the ground up. "What's the point? It's not going to cover anything."

"Duh. That is the point."

Sarah looked at it again. It was beautiful on the hanger, but there was nothing to it. "You really want to see me in something like that?" Jordan stuck her tongue out and panted like a dog. Sarah had to laugh. "It's your money, sweetie. If you want it, buy it."

"Will you wear it?"

Sarah's blush was becoming life-threatening. She shrugged as though the question were of no consequence and turned away. "Maybe."

"Sweeeet," Jordan said softly.

Jordan was more light-hearted than she'd ever been before and Sarah was enjoying it immensely. She didn't know how long it would last but hanging out with happy-go-lucky Jordan was a blast. It made Sarah feel like a teenager with no responsibilities. They'd been in the mall for hours already and had wandered through more than a dozen stores. Except for a couple of CDs and a bottle of cinnamon massage oil, they hadn't bought anything.

Sarah looked back at her lover and smiled. Several lacy nothings now lay over Jordan's arm. If she didn't intervene, she suspected Jordan would lay out some serious cash filling Sarah's drawers with lingerie. "Hey. I'm getting hungry."

"Just give me a minute."

"Okay. I'm going to step outside."

"'Kay."

Foot traffic in the mall was steady, but not overwhelming. Sarah found a padded bench with a view of Jordan and sat down. A woman sat on the next bench cleaning a little boy's hands with a tissue.

Sarah had never considered the possibility of having children. In fact, it had never even occurred to her to think about it. Having children had no place in the plans she'd made for herself.

She shifted her eyes back to her lover. Maybe things were different now. Did Jordan want kids? Considering Sarah's childhood, was she capable of the selflessness that being a mother would require? Was motherhood something she wanted to experience? Who would carry the child?

Picturing Jordan pregnant made her grin. It was so wrong. No, if they were ever to have children, it seemed likely that Sarah would do the bearing. It was certainly something to think about, but there was plenty of time.

Jordan left the lingerie shop with a twinkle in her eye and a smirk on her lips. She looked pretty proud of herself as she dropped down beside Sarah.

"Do I even want to know what you bought?"

"Nope."

"I'm in big trouble, aren't I?"

"Oh yeah."

Sarah laughed. "What are you hungry for?"

Jordan waggled her eyebrows. "That all depends."

"Now, now. There are children about. Behave yourself."

"Later then."

Jordan looked around and then suddenly cocked her head to listen. A blissful smile spread across her features. "Unforgettable." *

"Wha...?"

"That's what you are."

Sarah was stunned. She'd never heard Jordan sing and she was...extraordinary.

"Unforgettable though near or far."

The smooth tenor made chills run up Sarah's spine. Jordan's voice was exquisite. The tone and timber were perfect.

"Like a song of love that clings to me, how the thought of you does things to me."

People were turning to look. Sarah was aware of them, but they didn't matter. The love glowing from Jordan's eyes and the beautiful voice that sang to her were the most important things in the world.

"Never before has someone been more."

Jordan rose to her feet and held a hand out to her. Sarah took it and was pulled into Jordan's arms.

"Unforgettable in every way."

They began to dance to the music drifting through the mall, their bodies moving together as if they had been crafted as a single unit. Sarah's eyes were riveted on her lover.

"And forever more, that's how you'll stay. That's why, darling, it's incredible that someone so unforgettable, thinks that I am unforgettable, too."

Sarah swallowed past the lump in her throat. "I didn't know you could sing," she said softly.

"With you in my arms, I can do anything."

Sarah thought her heart would burst with joy. "Do I tell you enough how very much I love you?"

"Yes, baby. You do."

Jordan continued the song in full voice. "Unforgettable in every way, and forever more, that's how you'll stay. That's why, darling, it's incredible that someone so unforgettable, thinks that I am unforgettable, too."

Their lips met in a gentle kiss as the music ended.

"I love you," Jordan whispered.

"I love you, too. So very much."

Applause erupted around them. A good number of people were smiling and laughing at them. Even Jordan was blushing at the unexpected attention.

"I've decided on Chinese for lunch," Jordan said as they picked up their bags.

Sarah couldn't help but look at the people watching them. Every single one of them was smiling at her with genuine warmth. It made her feel blessed. She took Jordan's hand openly and let her heart lead the way.

~***~

First thing on Monday morning, Sarah contacted Family Motors in Edgewater about the job opening and spoke with a woman named Kelly. She arranged to send her resume by fax and was given an appointment for an interview on Friday afternoon. This was perfect for Sarah. Graduation was scheduled for early afternoon on Thursday. She knew that Jordan had a party scheduled for her on Thursday evening. She wasn't supposed to know, but Janet had spilled the beans about being invited to it. Tamar was going to be there as well. Sarah suspected some of the staff would be there, too.

Jordan wanted to go with her on Friday to get another look at Edgewater. Sarah thought it was a great idea. It wasn't a long drive, but it would be a day away for both of them. Besides, it would be nice to have the emotional support.

They were leaving on Sunday for parts unknown. Sarah still didn't know where they were going, and Jordan wouldn't let her pack. Apparently, they were going without luggage of any kind. Sarah was allowed to bring her passport, her driver's license and the digital camera. That was it. It made Sarah feel a little lost and out of control, but it was also very exciting. They could end up anywhere. Suddenly the world felt like a very big place.

Sarah sat down and composed an introductory letter for her resume. She worried about stating that she wouldn't be available to start work for two weeks, but she would need that time. If it cost her the job, so be it. The delay was unavoidable. There was the mystery trip for the first week and, if she got the job, they would need at least a week to relocate. Even that would make for a very rushed move. Jordan was planning for them to stay in a motel or bed and breakfast until they found a suitable house. Sarah knew there would be a lot of traveling back and forth from Anderson to Edgewater before they were settled.

Of course, if she didn't get the job, they would have plenty of time to organize a move while she searched for something else. She felt the responsibility of it all keenly, but Jordan was quite relaxed about how it would all turn out. She didn't seem to care at all where they ended up. Sarah had gone online and read about Edgewater. It looked very promising, and she kept her mental fingers crossed about getting the job. It wasn't so far away that they would lose touch with the staff and Maggie could still see the friends she had in Anderson. Edgewater would be perfect for them all.

While Jordan was filling Pete in on their plans, Sarah drove the Hummer into the city for her cap and gown. She stopped at a U-Haul store on the way home and bought boxes for Maggie and herself. It went against her grain to buy boxes. They were hideously expensive. Left to her own devices, Sarah would have hunted for stray boxes behind supermarkets and liquor stores, but Jordan wouldn't hear of it. Sarah gave in, but it still hurt to hand over Jordan's credit card and spend several hundred dollars on cardboard boxes that would only be used once.

She spent the rest of the afternoon packing her books, CD's and winter clothes. There was no sense waiting until after they got back from gallivanting about the planet.

After dinner with Maggie and Jordan, the staff started arriving for the meeting. Sarah was surprised to see that their families had come with them. Jordan explained that the families would be affected and should be part of the process. Sarah felt enormous pride that Jordan was the kind of employer who would make that distinction. She really was an extraordinary person.

The meeting was to be held in the formal dining room. The table was large enough for all of the adults to sit comfortably. Maggie gathered the smaller children off to one side and was helping them make necklaces out of Fruit Loops and mini marshmallows.

After nearly a year on the estate, Sarah finally met Joey, the young man who tended the indoor plants and the solarium. She was very surprised to learn that he was autistic. Joey interacted very little with the staff, choosing instead to stand by a window, rocking from one side to the other while he alternately chewed on his thumb and tugged at his forelock. Jordan spent several minutes with him in silent conversation, an arm around his shoulders. He seemed calmer while Jordan was with him. Sarah had never dealt with anyone who was autistic. She had not the slightest idea how to approach him, so she left him alone. She wondered why no one had told her of Joey's condition.

Joey had come with his mother. Sarah spoke to her for several minutes, pleased to meet another person who thought Jordan made the sun rise and shine.

When everyone was ready, Jordan quickly laid out recent events for them. A wave of outrage swept the table. Sarah grinned as they expressed their indignation. This would be good for Jordan. She needed to see that there were people who would get angry on her behalf for the way she was being treated.

Jordan calmed them down before continuing. "As satisfying as it might be to exact a little retribution, we've decided that's not the way to go. It wouldn't gain us anything but enmity. Until this happened, I hadn't realized how unhappy I'd become with the life I created for myself. I'm tired of the players and what they do upstairs. I'm tired of arguing endlessly with the city about who's going to plant a tree or put benches on Main Street. I want something different."

Jordan took a deep breath. "Sarah will be looking for a job soon. We talked it over and decided not to limit her options to Anderson."

Several people gasped.

"You're moving?" Wendy asked in dismay.

"There's no reason to panic," Jordan said quickly. "Sarah doesn't even have a job yet, so this isn't happening tomorrow. Even when we do decide on a place to go, it will take some time to make it happen. No one's out of a job just yet. In fact, it may be that none of you will be out of a job."

"This isn't right," Brent scowled.

Adam nodded his agreement. "Damn straight. Screw this town. You should fight back. Not run away."

"I'm not running away from anything," Jordan protested. "I'm tired of all this. Now that everything is out in the open, I can finally relax and be myself. This city isn't going to accept me for being different. I want to go someplace where I can make a fresh start. Maybe I can do it right this time."

"What are you going to do with the house?" Wendy asked.

"I don't know yet," Jordan shrugged. "We might sell it. Or we might donate it to some organization. In any case, until we figure it out, we're going to need people to take care of it. The other thing to consider is that we will likely need staff wherever we end up. Those of you that want to come with us are welcome. Moving expenses will be taken care of. If, down the road, we sell this house, those of you who remained behind will have the option to join us or look for other work. You will receive generous severance packages. No one will be left out in the cold."

Missy, the quiet one who had helped Sarah with her cufflinks on New Year's Eve, was near tears. "It's not just the job. Maybe you don't know how important this place is to some of us. I don't have anyone else. This is my family. You are my family. I don't want to lose anyone. If I stay or go, part of my family will be gone."

Amanda put an arm around the crying woman. "All families grow and change," she said calmly. "It's never easy, but it doesn't mean the changes can't be good ones. I think that this move will open up all sorts of possibilities for everyone. Follow your hearts and trust in each other. This is not the end."

Leroy spoke up while everyone was thinking. "Any idea where you might be goin'?"

Jordan looked near tears herself, so Sarah stepped into the discussion. "I have an interview in Edgewater on Friday. It looks like a nice place and it's not too far."

Leroy nodded his head. "There's some good fishin' up there. I reckon it's as good a place as any."

"I might not get it," Sarah warned.

"Don't matter none," he drawled. "I'll be comin' with you."

Jordan folded her arms on the table. "I hired every one of you because I liked you. I've come to...love each of you. Leaving anyone behind will hurt. A lot. There's plenty of time to decide what you want to do. Talk to your families. Come to me if you have any questions or ideas. But I want you to know that if you decide to find other jobs, I will always be there if you need me. For anything. Missy is right. You are my family, and I will care about you even if you decide to work for someone else."

Jordan's chair screeched on the floor as she stood up. "Take your time. I don't need answers today. Let me know what you decide to do."

Sarah glanced at the looks of grief and confusion on her co-workers' faces before following Jordan from the room. She hadn't thought too much about how the news would be taken before the meeting. Now she understood that this was going to be difficult for everyone. Especially Jordan. Her lover would take full responsibility for the anguish they would feel. It was in Jordan's nature to do so.

It was in Sarah's nature to do whatever she could to ease the burden Jordan felt. She followed her tall lover into the den and watched her pour a drink. "I don't think I knew how difficult that would be. I'm sorry."

Jordan shook her head as she sat down and cradled the brandy in her hands. "It's not your fault."

Sarah moved to sit on the footstool in front of Jordan. "I know."

"We're doing the right thing," Jordan said with a sigh. "I can feel it. I just wish..."

Placing her hands on Jordan's knees, Sarah scooted a bit closer. "So do I, sweetie. But maybe they'll come with us. Leroy already committed to it. Others will follow. And maybe, after the ones who stay with the house have had a chance to think about it, they'll come, too."

Jordan was fighting tears. "I hope so. They are my family, you know."

"I know. Remember Emily?"

"Of course. I talked to her the other day. Why?"

"She told me my first day that this would be my family if I let it. She was right. This is a pretty special place and it's because of you."

"I just..."

"It's because of you," Sarah insisted. "You are a very special person. They don't work for you because of the money. They do it because they love you. They love you because you give them love, respect, compassion and loyalty. No one is like that, Jordan. Out in the real world, people aren't like that. Maybe a little bit when it suits their purposes to be, but only rarely. I think most of the staff will come with us. Especially if I can get the job in Edgewater. They won't feel like they are going so far from home."

"Don't put that kind of pressure on yourself, little one."

"Too late," Sarah grinned. "I want that job so bad I can taste it. I don't care what it pays or what kind of work I have to do. I talked to them this morning and the woman was really nice. You know how sometimes you just get a feeling?"

Jordan smiled. "Like the feeling I had about you."

"Yes, well, okay." Sarah was blushing. "Anyway, I had that feeling this morning on the phone. If they are considering anyone else, I'm going to make them change their minds. That job is mine."

"That's not what you said in the staff meeting."

"Well, I suppose there's a slight chance that I might not get it. There could be an earthquake or a tornado or something. I can't be held responsible for acts of God."

"Baby," Jordan said with a relaxed smile, "you are an act of God."

A knock at the door prevented Sarah from ravishing Jordan where she sat.

"Come in," Jordan called out.

Pete and Amanda came in holding hands. "Hey, boss," the big man said.

"Hey. Grab a drink. Have a seat."

Amanda shook her head and sat down close to them. "I'm fine."

"Thanks for what you said in there," Jordan said as Pete went to pour a drink.

"It was only the truth."

Sarah turned so she could see Amanda but kept a hand on Jordan. "Is Missy okay?"

Amanda smiled softly. “She will be. I think she was just surprised.”

Sarah squeezed Jordan's knee at the news. "Good."

Pete sat down beside his wife and took her hand. "We've got something to tell you."

Jordan cocked her head. "Okay."

The smiles Pete and Amanda wore made Sarah's eyes go wide. Somehow, she just knew. Sarah threw both arms up in the air. "Yes!"

"What am I missing?" Jordan frowned.

Sarah clapped her hands over her mouth and did a happy dance on the footstool.

Amanda did the honors. "We're pregnant."

Jordan leapt to her feet, her drink falling to the carpet unnoticed. "Are you shitting me?"

Pete was puffed up like an old bullfrog in mating season. "I'm gonna be a daddy."

Jordan all but jumped on Pete to hug him and then turned on his lap to hug Amanda, too. "This is so great! A baby!"

"Oof," Pete grunted. "Get your fat ass off me, you pig."

Laughing, Jordan bounced up and down on the big man. "Get used to it, buddy. The kid is gonna be dancing on the jewels before you know it."

"Jeez! Knock it off! We want more than one, you know."

Jordan shifted to sit on the coffee table. "A baby. Amazing. How far along are you? When is it due?"

"Only two months," Amanda explained. "He's due around Christmas."

"She," Pete interjected.

Amanda patted his leg absently. "We haven't told anyone else yet. We wanted to wait until the second trimester. We're only telling you today because we have more news."

Sarah slid over next to Jordan and put an arm around her waist. "Good news, I hope."

"I had already decided on taking a year off from teaching to have the baby," Amanda said. "Then Pete came home today to tell me about your plans."

Pete grinned, his white teeth flashing. "We want to come with you."

Jordan put a hand to her chest as tears rolled down her face. "Do you mean it?"

"Edgewater's not far," Pete explained, "but it's far enough to give us some breathing room from the family. If we stay here, we won't see the baby until she's a teenager. Besides, you're my best friend. We're going with you."

Jordan ended up between them, hugging them as well as she could. "I love you guys."

Sarah was fighting her own tears of happiness. Jordan would have been devastated without Pete. She would have tried to hide it, but she would have been lost inside. Sarah was equally as glad that Amanda would be coming. She was growing closer to Amanda all the time. Losing that friendship would have been terrible.

"I'm so happy for you," Sarah said. "I can't wait to meet the baby, but I'm so glad you're going to come with us."

"Hey," Jordan exclaimed to Amanda. "Do you want a job?"

Amanda raised an eyebrow. "What kind of job?"

"Maggie wants grandbabies. I'll pay you to let her fuss over you. Anything to take the pressure off of us."

Amanda laughed. "Sorry, Jordan. I can't let you pay me for something I'm looking forward to."

"You two should have children, too," Pete said. "Our kids could grow up together."

"Hey," Jordan said in a warning tone. "We just found each other. Let us have some time together. We'll talk about it when we're good and ready."

Amanda reached out for Sarah and pulled her into the pile. "Do you think Edgewater is ready for us?"

It was a giant group hug with Pete and Amanda holding them together. Sarah giggled. This family thing was incredible. It was good to know it was only going to grow.

~***~

Sarah was wearing a skirt and blouse under the gown and now she regretted it. Jordan had been right. It was hot as blazes. Graduation was being held on the football field and the sun was turning the black robe into a solar oven. The temperature was only in the low 80's, but that was enough to make it miserable. The shade of her mortar board did absolutely nothing to alleviate her discomfort.

The only enjoyable part of the entire ceremony had been receiving her diploma. In spite of instructions not to from the chancellor of the university, Jordan, Maggie, Pete, Amanda, the rest of the staff and their families had stood up and cheered for her, disrupting the ceremony for several minutes. It had been embarrassing, but Sarah loved them for it. It was the first time in her life that anyone had done something like that. She would never forget it.

Except for the heat, it had been a wonderful day. She had woken to Jordan singing "Baby, if I'm the bottom, you're the top" in the shower. The lyrics had been so ludicrous that she'd dissolved in laughter. It was funny how waking up laughing could make your whole day brighter. Especially when it was followed by hours of delicious lovemaking.

Maggie had put together a veritable feast for breakfast and most of the staff had joined them. While some of them had not yet committed to following them, everyone was relaxed and lighthearted. The consensus over breakfast was that the very best graduation speech possible could be summed up in three words:

Get a job.

Sarah was wishing now that the speakers knew that. She had tried to listen for the first half hour, but now she was just waiting for it to be over. She couldn't even understand the words being spoken anymore. It was all just a blur. All she could think about was getting out of her clothes and taking a cool shower.

And ice-cold lemonade. A whole pitcher full. She could almost taste it.

Sarah dozed for a while and woke as everyone around her stood up. Scrambling to join them, she grabbed her mortar board as a group yell split the air and caps went flying. No way was she going to lose hers.

It was over! The last eight years of her life had reached the finish line. Sarah took off her cap and let her head fall back. She had launched herself at the future like a pit bull and ended up in a place she had never dared to dream of. All of the sacrifices she'd made over the years were worth it.

The graduates slowly scattered, and Sarah wound her way through them in search of Jordan and a drink of water.

"There she is!"

Sarah turned to grin at her friends. Both looked as hot and tired as she felt, but there was an aura of excitement about them as well. "Hey! How were the cheap seats?"

"Bite me," Tamar grinned.

"She graduates Some Come Loudly and thinks she owns the place," Janet snorted.

Sarah had not heard the bastardization of her honors title before, and it struck her as funny. She laughed until she snorted and that set her friends off as well. The three of them ended up in a hug and the laughter gentled. "You are coming to the party, right?"

"I've gotta grab my folks," Janet said, "but then I'll be there."

"I'm hoping to catch a ride with you," Tamar hinted.

None of Tamar's family could be bothered to attend her graduation. They didn't feel obligated to provide their support since they disapproved of her goals. Sarah knew exactly how that felt and tightened her arm around Tamar's waist. "That would be great. As soon as I find Jordan we can go."

"I'm gonna miss you guys," Janet said quietly.

A wave of affection swept through Sarah. "I wish I looked up years earlier and met you both. You've become such good friends in such a short time."

"Edgewater isn't far."

Sarah grinned at Janet. "Not far at all." She looked up at Tamar and felt a pang in her chest. "You're the one I'm afraid we'll lose contact with. You're going so far away."

Tamar shook her head. "We'll stay in touch. Maybe we can even get together over holidays and summers."

"You have a standing invitation," Sarah insisted. "You'd better count on coming to see me every chance you get. If you don't, I'll send Jordan after you."

Tamar smiled. "I wouldn't object to that."

Sarah pinched her side. "She's all mine."

And then she saw her. Tall and beautiful with a huge smile on her face. Sarah's heart opened to eternity. "Speaking of which...here comes what I'm going to do with the rest of my life."

Sarah hitched up her gown and ran into her future.

* Disclaimer: I put a song in this chapter. "Unforgettable" written by Irving Gordon was used without permission. (I couldn't help it. It's such an awesome romantic song. Especially the version sung by Natalie Cole where she gets to sing with her legendary father, Nat King Cole. Please don't sue me. It's on my favorite’s playlist. Shouldn't that be taken into consideration?)

Epilogue

"Thank you for coming in. We'll be in touch when we've finished interviewing the other applicants." Kelly shut the door to her office and shook her head. "Unbelievable."

"If you hire her, I'm leaving you."

Kelly chuckled. "As if."

Hannah put her elbow on the desk and propped her chin in her hand. "Didn't anyone ever tell her that popping gum non-stop does not make a good impression? It was all I could do not to reach over and dig it out of her mouth."

Kelly shuddered. "Nasty image. Besides, she looked like a biter to me."

"And did she even try to comb her hair? Did she look in the mirror before leaving the house and think 'I look good'?" Hannah huffed tiredly. "This seemed like such a great idea. Too bad we haven't had any serious responses."

Kelly stooped to kiss her girlfriend's head before sitting down. "I'm sure they were all serious, hon. They just weren't right for us. But we do have one more to go and her resume is very impressive."

"True, but she's young."

Kelly opened the next applicant's file. "Young, but with eight years of work experience and four years of college. These references are glowing. She might be exactly what we're hoping for."

"Maybe. But can we afford her? She's got a Master's in Business Administration. I'm not sure she understands that this is still a small business. It's growing, but it's not a Fortune 500 company."

Kelly smoothed the rim of an imaginary fedora with her fingers and a quirky grin. "Stick with me, babe. We're gonna be rich."

Hannah yawned. "Oh, all right."

"That's the spirit." Kelly leaned over to kiss her partner. "If she's not what we want, we'll just keep looking."

"Okay, but if she's chewing gum or flashing her tits, I'm not going to be held responsible for my actions."

"Sounds like a plan."

The resume and references were very impressive. Kelly had been intrigued from the first moment she had received them by fax. Only one of the other applicants had even bothered to provide a resume and it had been pathetic in comparison. She had a feeling about this one. If the girl was at all presentable and personable, Kelly was ready to hire her. That was why Hannah was taking a day off from her own work to help do the interviews. Hannah helped Kelly stay focused on the long-term ramifications. All Kelly truly cared about was getting out of the office and back to the work she loved.

At the knock on the door, they glanced at each other hopefully and prepared themselves for the last interview of the day. Kelly stood up and went to open the door.

If she were not already in love with the most beautiful woman in the world, Kelly would have drooled. Standing in front of her was the second most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She was wearing pressed black slacks and a royal blue blouse that Kelly suspected was silk. For accessories, there was a slender gold bracelet and small gold hoops in the young woman's ears. All in all, she looked quite comfortable, but very professional. The girl was about Hannah's height, but that's where the similarity ended. She had long blonde hair, large blue eyes, flawless skin, and features that even the best models would kill for. She was almost too perfectly exquisite.

Kelly knew in an instant that Hannah would never approve of this young woman. Women didn't like it when their mates hired the young and beautiful as assistants. It was too much temptation. Or, at least, it might be for some. Even as lovely as this young woman was, Kelly knew that she would never stray. She had the best. Nothing was worth risking losing the love she had and nothing this girl had to offer could possibly match what Hannah gave her every day.

"Hello. My name is Sarah Wylie. I'm here to interview for the office manager position."

Kelly sighed internally. Hannah might not approve, but they still had to carry on. She put her hand out and shook the small, warm hand. At least it was a firm handshake. Not like some of the limp noodles she'd had to endure that day. "Hi. I'm Kelly Lowell. Come on in."

"Thank you."

Closing the door, Kelly shrugged at her partner over the girl's head. "This is Hannah Reece; my wife and business partner."

The young blonde turned to look at Kelly with a genuine smile of pleasure and then turned to offer a hand to Hannah. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Hannah looked intrigued. "Thanks for coming in. Have a seat."

"Thanks."

The three of them settled into their chairs before Kelly began. "Okay. Let me tell you a bit about the business and what we're looking for before we start asking a bunch of questions."

Sarah Wylie nodded, her eyes interested and clear.

Kelly glanced at her wife, surprised to find her relaxed and alert, then dove into her spiel. "This garage has been my dream for a long time. Two and a half years ago, my wife and I decided it was time to make it a reality. It took a year and a half to get the location, the money and the approvals to get it started. Not to mention the night classes I took so I had a basic understanding of how to run a business and do the accounting. Family Motors has been up and running for a year now. It was slow at first, but we're making serious progress now. We've got five full time mechanics and one high school kid who works a couple of hours a day in the afternoons. He does clean-up and plays gopher. We've also got a guy who does nothing but drive the tow truck. We're open six days a week, but the office manager position is Monday through Friday. The reason that I'm looking to hire an office manager is because I hate working in the office. I started this business because I love working on cars and trucks. The paperwork is sucking the life out of me."

Sarah laughed, and it was a delightful sound. She cocked her head in Hannah's direction. "And why are you looking for an office manager?"

Hannah returned the laugh. "I want my mechanic back. Not the grumpy bear she's becoming."

"I see."

"I'm not that bad," Kelly grumbled.

"Not yet" Hannah teased lovingly, "but you will be if we don't get you back in the pits, elbow deep in grease and dirt."

Smiling, Sarah crossed her legs and rested her hands in her lap. "Tell me a little more about the position, please."

Kelly was starting to feel really good about this applicant. She was calm, collected and had a sense of humor. A big plus was the ease with which she was handling two women as lovers and partners.

"What I need is someone to take over billing, accounts receivable, payroll, ordering parts and expense reports. If we're busy out in the garage we might need some help with answering phones, but for the most part we've got that covered."

"What about taxes?"

"We're contracted with a local accounting firm for state and federal taxes. I could never wrap my head around that stuff."

Sarah nodded thoughtfully. "Hypothetically speaking, that might be something we could incorporate into the position at a future date. I'd have to take some classes in order to feel competent to take it on, of course, but it is a possibility to be considered."

Kelly blinked in pleasant surprise. "Okay."

Sarah waited quietly, and Kelly tried to think of something to say. "Do you know anything about cars?"

"Only in regard to basic maintenance. I used to have an old Toyota that required a lot of pampering. I learned how to do tune-ups and oil changes to save myself some money. I can change a tire and wiper blades as well. Beyond that, I'm very much a novice."

Kelly leaned forward to fold her arms on the desk. "Used to have. What do you drive now?"

"A modified Prius."

"Modified?"

"A friend of mine heard about two guys that invented a lithium-ion battery pack that goes in the back of the car and increases the mileage. He contacted them, learned how to do it and put one in my car."

Kelly was fascinated. "I heard about that. What kind of mileage do you get now?"

Sarah's smile was just a tad smug. "One hundred and four miles per gallon. Fifty miles at a time. After that it goes back to the normal forty-five until you charge it back up."

"Sweet. Can I look at it?"

"Unfortunately, it's not here. We came up in my girlfriend's car."

It took a few seconds for the words to register. Kelly whispered out of the side of her mouth, but never took her eyes off of Sarah. "She's family, hon."

"I caught that, babe," Hannah whispered back as Sarah grinned.

"What does your girlfriend drive?"

Sarah hesitated. "Um...she brought the Aston Martin."

"Aston Martin?"

"The V12 Vanquish."

Kelly fell back in her chair and put a hand to her chest. "I think I'm having a seizure."

"I think we're a little off track here," Hannah interjected. "I'll take over while Lug Nut here pulls herself together."

Kelly twitched a few times just for effect and considered drooling.

"Do you have any questions about the position?"

Sarah was smiling. "I do, but I believe they would only require answering if I am chosen to fill the position. I understand the basic nature of what you require. If you'd like to ask me some questions, I'd be happy to answer."

"All right," Hannah said seriously. "You know what we are looking for. What are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for experience," Sarah said easily. "I have a Master's degree in Small Business Administration and no experience whatsoever in running a small business. I am looking for a company that is willing to teach me to do what I've been going to school to learn. My dream is to someday start my own business. As it stands right now, I am completely unprepared to do that and have any hope of success."

It was a very good answer. Kelly relaxed and let Hannah run with it.

"Why are you applying here? Wasn't there anything available in Anderson?"

"There are many job opportunities in Anderson, but none that would give me the scope of experience I am seeking. I had several reasons for answering your ad." Sarah adjusted her shoulders and went on. "My girlfriend and I are unhappy in Anderson and we are looking to relocate. I was not familiar with Edgewater beyond its general location, but Jordan said it was very nice here and she'd heard good things about the community. From what I've seen so far, she was right. It's beautiful here. Another reason was that your ad intrigued me. Specifically, the line about wanting someone who could grow with the company. I like the idea of taking a young business and making it stronger and more solid, but with supervision and guidance every step of the way. It is that kind of experience I am looking for. I was also drawn by the request that only the tolerant and open-minded need apply. It made me want to know more about your business."

"Because you are a lesbian."

"In part, yes."

Hannah seemed pleased. "How much experience are you looking for? How long can we expect you to hang around?"

Sarah's smile faded a bit. "I cannot make absolute commitments at this time. However, my plan has always been to work for five or ten years before investing in my own business. At this point in time, my most serious 'lack' is in life experience. There are no shortcuts. It will take as long as it takes. Rest assured that I am not planning on cutting out in six months to strike out on my own. If you find me to be competent and there are no serious personality conflicts, I expect to be here for a good while."

Hannah was quiet for nearly a minute, her eyes shrewd and thoughtful. "We can't pay a lot. Not what you think you're worth."

Sarah shook her head in denial. "What I expect is to start at a training wage. In time, if I do well and your company prospers because of the work I do, I'll expect a raise, but nothing outrageous. The money is secondary to the education I hope to get. Although, a few perks would be nice here and there."

"Perks?"

Sarah's eyes were dancing. "My very own parking space. A comfortable office chair. A coffee maker. Nubile maidens to fan me in the summer."

Kelly busted out laughing.

"Oh dear," Sarah said dryly. "Did I say that out loud? That was terribly unprofessional."

They were all laughing now.

"I think we can manage a box fan with a mud-flap-girl sticker on it," Kelly managed to choke out.

"Sold!"

Hannah was the one who got the interview back on track. "I do have a few more questions."

Sarah brushed her hair back over one ear and nodded.

Kelly just sat back and enjoyed the show. Hannah was asking specific questions about Sarah's previous work experience and her education. None of it mattered to Kelly. As far as she was concerned, Sarah had the job. If she was half as good as she appeared to be, they would be lucky to have her. Compared to the other applicants, there was no contest.

After fifteen minutes of detailed discussion, Hannah sat back. The scowl on her brow was an indication of deep thought, not displeasure. Kelly gave it a few minutes before asking, "Satisfied?"

"Almost." Hannah's eyes turned hard and cold. "Do I need to worry that you will make a play for either of us?"

Kelly almost choked on her own spit at the audacity of the query. "Hannah!"

"It is a reasonable question," Sarah interjected quickly. "I'm glad it was asked. Especially since I fell in love with my last employer."

Kelly and Hannah were both caught flat-footed. They gaped at the young woman.

Sarah took a calming breath before capturing Kelly's eyes with her own. "You are quite handsome." She turned her eyes to Hannah's darkening ones. "And you are very beautiful. From what I have seen so far, I like you both. Not just as individuals, but as a unit. But here's the thing: neither of you are Jordan. She loves me and I love her. Desperately. She fills the emptiness inside of me with her love and tenderness. There is no one else and there never will be. If either of you are secretly wondering about the possibility of something extra with me, let it go right now. It's just not going to happen. Not ever."

The tone was calm and gentle, but there was steel in the words. There would be no negotiations on the subject. Sarah Wylie was solid to the core. Kelly and Hannah shared a look that spoke of the trust they had in themselves and in each other. There were no secret fantasies within them involving this girl. It was a moment that reaffirmed everything that they were with each other. As one, they broke into grins.

"I like her," Kelly said.

"So do I," Hannah agreed.

"Do we need to talk about this first?"

"We just did, babe."

Kelly reached a hand across the desk with a wide-open smile. "Congratulations. You're hired."

Sarah took Kelly's hand with a laugh. "Really?"

"Yes, really."

"I stated in my cover letter that I couldn't start for two weeks. Will that work for you?"

"It's going to take me that long to clean this room up for you."

Sarah looked around doubtfully. "You're giving me a corner office right off the bat? I had my heart set on a cubicle. How am I ever going to learn humility?"

Hannah threw her head back in a laugh. "You're going to fit in just fine."

Sarah succumbed to a little happy dance in her chair. "This is so great! Thank you! Thank you very much!"

Kelly found the paper she'd prepared with benefit and salary information. She handed it over the desk. "You might want to look that over before you commit yourself."

Sarah's smile never faltered as she studied the page. "This looks just fine to me, but I won't need the health insurance. I'm fully covered by my girlfriend's policy."

"Okay. Maybe we can add the premiums we won't be paying onto your salary."

Sarah cocked her head thoughtfully. "Or...you can set me up with a budget to redecorate this room. I'll be spending a lot of time in here. It's a little...cold."

Kelly looked around at the dark paneling and the concrete floor. "You don't like this?"

"Do you?"

Kelly dropped her head down between her shoulders and scowled. "You're gonna be prissy about the bathroom, too, aren't you?"

Laughter was lurking around the edges of Sarah's face. "Of course not. Once you get the guys to go outside and start working on that weed problem along the fence, we shouldn't have any problems at all."

All three of them ended up giggling helplessly over that one. Kelly really liked that Sarah was so quick-witted and willing to open up. She would need that kind of humor with the guys. They could be pretty crass at times. At least Sarah wouldn't be defenseless.

"Thank you for taking a chance on me," Sarah said as they calmed. "I'll have a lot of questions to start, but I'm smart and I'll work very hard for you. It won't take me long to catch on. And don't worry that I'll start making lots of changes that no one but me will understand. If I can see a better way to do something, I'll bring it to you before I implement anything."

"That's good to know," Hannah said. "I think you'll be an excellent addition to this madhouse."

"What is it you do here?" Sarah asked Hannah.

"My involvement is purely financial. I have my own business. I groom dogs."

"Oh! Maybe sometime I could pick your brain about running a business?"

"I'd like that."

They spent a few minutes confirming when Sarah would start work, the pay schedule, vacation and sick time, her hours and lunch times. Sarah was accommodating about all of it.

"And the dress code?" Sarah asked.

"We're pretty casual here," Kelly said. "You're not a receptionist, so it's not like you need to dress up. Jeans are fine."

"Don't show what you don't want to share," Hannah added. "Especially around here. The guys are all very nice and usually respectful, but they're still guys. Too much skin brings out the caveman."

"That makes sense. Um...this may not be entirely appropriate, but my girlfriend is out in the parking lot. I'd really like for you to meet her."

Kelly's eyes widened. "An Aston Martin is in my lot? Right now?"

Hannah and Sarah shared a look that made them both laugh, and they followed Kelly outside.

"Sometimes she's like a little kid," Hannah said fondly.

"Mine, too," Sarah shared. "It's very endearing."

"That it is."

Kelly was not the only one enamored of the high-performance car. There was a small crowd around it. By the time Hannah and Sarah reached it, Kelly had chased them all back to work and was riveted on the shiny machine. She was reverently studying the lines and contours of it.

Hannah watched closely as Sarah joined her girlfriend. Jordan was a surprise. She looked like a man. Not just any man, but the most strikingly handsome man Hannah had ever seen. In fact, even with the small breasts and Sarah's naming of Jordan's gender, Hannah was not entirely convinced of it, but the love their eyes shared when they looked at each other was nearly enough to make one cry. It was like being too near the sun and Hannah had to take a step back.

"Jordan," Sarah said, "this is Hannah Reece and her wife, Kelly Lowell." She looked at her new employers with a peaceful smile. "This is my heart, Jordan Crisp."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Hannah said as she shook the masculine woman's hand.

"Likewise," Jordan spoke in a gentle tenor.

Hannah held her breath as Kelly and Jordan squared off. She wasn't sure what was going to happen next. The air felt charged.

"You're the owner," Jordan began.

"We both are," Kelly clarified. "Nice car."

"Thanks."

"My hands are clean. May I touch it?"

Jordan raised an eyebrow. "Did you hire my girl?"

"Sure did."

Jordan smiled. "Smart move." Keys appeared and flashed through the air. "Go ahead."

Kelly caught the keys with open-mouthed shock. "Seriously?"

"Sure. But if you wreck it, you fix it."

"Deal!"

Kelly paused, inviting Hannah with her eyes to go, but Hannah declined with a small shake of her head. Seconds later, the car was pulling smoothly out of the lot.

Jordan turned to Sarah and swept her off the ground with a swirling hug. "Thank you, baby. I'm so proud of you! "

Hannah turned away to give them some privacy. She could still hear Jordan praising Sarah, but at least they had the illusion of privacy.

There were a lot of questions bubbling inside of Hannah. Aston Martins weren't cheap. Calling it The Aston Martin spoke of having several cars to choose from. It spoke of money. Even their clothing screamed money. So, if there was serious money involved, why was Sarah excited about getting a job that would pay her half of what she was worth? And why was her lover thanking her for getting the job?

Hannah watched the two women out of the corner of her eye. They were just too open and sincere to be scheming. Hannah knew there was a lot of story going on and she was dying to hear it. When they started looking around, Hannah turned to them with a smile.

"Is this your first time in Edgewater?"

Over the next twenty minutes, they discussed real estate agents, the gay community, the general attitude in Edgewater and the activities available for having fun. They were talking about hiking trails when Kelly drove the black Vanquish back into the lot. Kelly got out of the car reluctantly and slapped the keys into Jordan's hand.

"Congratulations," she grinned roguishly. "You're my new best friend."

Jordan laughed.

"What about Cantina?" Hannah asked.

"She drives a Nissan."

"It's a Pathfinder."

"It's a glorified station wagon. Do you see this car?" Kelly used both hands to indicate the Aston Martin. "Can't you see how hot it is? I actually drove it. That makes me so much hotter than Cantina can handle. Sure, she was my best friend for a long time, but now I have Jordan. She let me drive her awesome car. She would be devastated if I didn't dump Cantina for her. Isn't that right, old buddy, old pal?"

Jordan laughed. "You're just a little car slut, aren't you?"

"Little?" Kelly pulled up her sleeve and made a very impressive muscle with her biceps. "Can you beat that?"

"Nope."

"Didn't think so," Kelly boasted.

"But I can pee standing up."

"She can," Sarah giggled.

Kelly draped herself over Hannah's shoulders with a pout. "Tell me I'm still butch, baby."

Hannah patted Kelly's arm as she winked at Jordan. "Feeling a little feminine?"

"Yeah. And I don't like it. It's...ooky."

"I know what will make you feel better, baby."

Kelly wiggled her eyebrows lasciviously. "Me, too."

"Let's introduce Jordan to Freddie."

"That's not what I..." Kelly straightened up. "Oh God. Freddie's going to have an attack of the vapors."

Jordan frowned. "Who's Freddie?"

Hannah and Kelly dissolved in laughter.

The End

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