ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Fate

by HLKaia

Disclaimers:

This is my first posted uber story.  The main characters have a striking resemblance to a certain pair that are near and dear to all of our hearts but the story and situations are completely mine.  No infringement is meant.

Love/Sex:  This is an alternative fiction story.  It depicts a loving relationship between to consenting adult women.  If that’s not your forte I suggest you read something else.

Language:  I’m a potty mouth, I admit it!  And therefore a few of my characters have that tendency. If this disturbs you, read no further!

Violence:  Most assuredly there will be some.  After all, one of the characters is an ex-bounty hunter and I’m sure there will be some related in this story sooner or later.  I’ll try not to be too graphic but you never know what the scene may need.

Acknowledgements:  This is for my loving partner who always said I could do this!  She’s been nagging me for years to put something out there and let others read what I write.  So this is for her.  Also, to my supporting best friend, Ty-guy who kept telling me I could do this and just to get on with it!

Cover by ForevaXena

(Click photo for larger image)

Part 22 (Conclusion)

           Lauren glanced at her watch once more, sighing when she noted that only a few minutes had passed since the last time she’d checked it.  The airport was a madhouse as usual and she was glad that they had arrived early enough to get seats facing the concourse Katie would be arriving at.  Sheila had decided to remain in the limousine stating that being pregnant did not lend itself to crowded airports and walking forever.  She had to agree that Sheila had been right and wise to stay with the car.  Lauren had informed her that they would be out as soon as they had secured Katie’s luggage.  The chauffer had assured Lauren that she’d be curbside to pick them up.

She was thankful that the drive to the airport took awhile since she had needed the time to gain back her equilibrium.  She was still flabbergasted and giddy from Ash’s display of affection.  She felt heat rising to her face and ducked her head to hide it.  Oh, Ash! Every time I try to be upset with you, you turn around and floor me, she mused with a smile curling her lips.

            “Hey, when is her flight supposed to get here?”

            Lauren turned and spotted Rachel leaning against a support pillar checking out all the passing women with a hungry eye.  She shook her head in amusement knowing that the tiger was once more on the prowl.  I’m surprised her head didn’t explode being cooped up in the apartment for the last week.  “The board says her flight should be coming in on time,” Lauren said pointing her thumb over her shoulder at the lit arrivals board.  Rachel strolled casually over to her friend and took a seat next to her.  “See anything you like?”

            Rachel perused the passing women and a predatory gleam glinted in her hazel eyes.  “Oh a few are worth pursuing,” she replied casually.

            Lauren laughed.  “Well, you’re out of solitary confinement, why don’t you go sow your oats while we wait?”

            “Hmm, I might just do that,” Rachel said, straightening and scanning the crowd for a likely candidate.  “The woman serving lattes over there is pretty hot.  Maybe I’ll stroll on over and see what the specials are.”  She gave Lauren a self-satisfied wink as she drew herself up, the hunter persona dropping over her like a well fitting coat.

            Lauren watched with amusement as Rachel sauntered over to the coffee vender, and had to admit that Rachel was a pro at looking nonchalant. She was always in camouflage; these women never knew what hit them. That girl could corrupt a nun, Lauren mused indulgently.  Not to mention she puts on one hell of a show when you know what she’s up to. 

            She watched as Rachel stepped up to the counter and placed her order.  Her body language basically saying, “I’m yours for the taking” and waited to see if the woman would fall under her friend’s spell.  The woman smiled saying something while Rachel casually leaned against the counter.  Here fishy, fishy, fishy.  Take this nice juicy bait, Lauren thought biting back a giggle.

            “Lauren?”

            Lauren’s head snapped around at the sound of her name and her eyes fell upon a beautiful petite redhead standing beside her.  “Katie?” she managed to say standing and looking her sister up and down.  Katie had French braided her long auburn hair and was wearing a deep green oxford that brought out the color in her eyes tucked into a pair of faded blue jeans.  “Wow!  You look great!” she exclaimed holding her at arms reach before pulling her in for a bone-crushing hug.

            “Thanks!” Katie giggled, stepping back from her sister and inspecting her.  “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

            Lauren grinned.  “I love what you’ve done with your hair.” She reached up gently stroking the tight braid.  “I can never do that with my own.  It’s too damn thin.”

            Katie laughed her eyes shining.  “Well mom had to help me.  I can’t do it by myself without it being crooked.”

            “Do you know where your luggage is?” Lauren asked, pulling her sister in beside her and loosely looping her hand around her waist, headed towards Rachel.

            “Yeah, carousel three according to the ticket,” Katie replied falling into step and placing her arm around her sister’s waist.  “Damn, I forgot how much taller you are than me.  You make me feel like a midget.”

            Lauren laughed.  “Hey I have to be taller than someone!”

            “Where’s Ash?  I thought she’d be with you.  I’m dying to meet your mystery woman,” Katie asked, looking around the crowded area.  “This place is a zoo.”

            Lauren paused in midstep and then resumed hoping Katie didn’t notice her hesitation.  Her mind whirling, she said, “Oh, you’ll meet Ash tomorrow night.  She has some business to wrap up.  I did bring Rachel though.”

            Katie looked up at her smiling.  “Rachel?  Really?  Wow, I haven’t seen her in ages.  Where is she?”

            Dodged a bullet there, Lauren thought.  “She’s right over there,” Lauren replied waving towards the coffee bar.

            Katie rose up on tiptoe trying to see through the crowd and Lauren bit back a grin.  “Where?”  Katie asked frustrated.

            “Come on, I see her,” Lauren replied as she led her around a group of people hugging and laughing.

            They walked around the crowd and came up behind Rachel still on the prowl.  Lauren noted that Rachel must have scored because the woman behind the bar was practically falling over it as she wrote down her number whispering into Rachel’s ear.  Rachel threw back her head laughing before patting her gently on the hand.

            “Do they know each other?” Katie asked innocently as she watched the display.

            “Uh, they do now,” Lauren replied as they came to a halt a few feet behind Rachel.

            “What?” Katie asked, looking at her sister in confusion.

            “Nevermind,” Lauren said, tapping Rachel on the shoulder.  “Hey, Rach, I found Katie.  We can go now.”

            Rachel held up a hand without turning saying something to the woman behind the counter too low for them to hear.  Picking up her latte and saluting the woman with it, she turned her eyes falling upon the sisters behind her.   Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open.

            “Rachel!  Its so great to see you again,” Katie said, stepping forward and enveloping a stunned Rachel in a hug.

            The hug seemed to break Rachel’s paralysis and she managed to return the embrace.  “G-great to see you too.”

            Lauren's brow furrowed suspiciously as Katie stepped back and Rachel eyed her like a prime cut of meat.  Hey, that’s my baby sister you’re eyeing, buddy, she thought a surge of mama bear enveloping her.  “Why don’t we go find your luggage?” she suggested, pulling Katie back beside her.

            “Sure!  I can’t wait to get out of here,” Katie readily agreed, heading down the corridor towards the signs that read, Baggage Claim.

            Rachel watched her walk away and Lauren saw the predator peeking out.  “Rachel,” Lauren warned, grabbing her friend’s arm.

            Rachel turned, staring at her in surprise.  “What?” she asked innocently.

            “That is my baby sister.  Not one of your chippies,” Lauren reprimanded sternly.

            “I beg your pardon?  What the hell do you mean by that?” Rachel asked defensively, her face clouding up with anger at the implication.

            “I know you, and you’re looking at my baby sister like a hungry wolf during famine,” Lauren replied, emphasizing the baby part.

            Rachel’s eyebrows rose.  “Baby?  Have you taken a good look at your sister?  There is nothing baby about her,” Rachel shot back, able to choke back the besides she ain’t my sister, knowing full well her friend would kill her.

            “Just don’t look at her that way, okay?” Lauren pleaded, seeing that she had offended Rachel and didn’t mean to, but damn it!  This was her kid sister they were talking about!  And she didn’t want her to end up being just another notch on her friend’s bedpost. 

            Rachel scowled, crossing her arms defiantly as she eyed her best friend.  “Do you honestly think I would hurt her?”

            Lauren stepped back abashed at being called out.  “N-no.  Of course not.”  Yes, yes!  That’s exactly it, her mind wailed unrepentant.

            “You do.  You honestly think I’d play her?  Just treat her like another conquest,” Rachel stated, the realization of her friend’s distrust causing tears to spring to her eyes.

            “No!  No, Rachel.  I know you’d never intentionally hurt her,” Lauren quickly assured, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.  Rachel looked up unsure of her sincerity.  "It’s just that she is my baby sister, and the thought of anyone touching, her much less hurting her, sets my teeth on edge."

            “I wouldn’t hurt her,” Rachel pouted, wiping at her betraying eyes angrily.  “Now touching her is something else all together.”

            “I know, I know.  I’m sorry.  I don’t know what I was thinking, okay?” Lauren pleaded, and then realized what Rachel had said.  “Touching her?  What?”

            Rachel smirked and gave her a saucy wink.  “Gotcha.”

            “Oh you!” Lauren growled, slapping her playfully on the arm.  “I don’t even know if she’s gay!”

            Rachel gave her a smug smile.  “A lot of women are straight until they’re not, Laur.  I’m not the type to force myself on anyone.  You should know that.”

            Lauren blushed at the reprimand.  “I know.  Just be gentle okay?”

            “No problemo.  Wouldn’t have it any other way,” Rachel assured her.

            “Hey!  Are you guys coming or what?”

            Rachel and Lauren turned to see an impatiently waiting Katie looking back at them tapping her foot.  They both laughed.

            “Coming, dear!”  Rachel called, heading her way.

            Lauren followed laughing.  She looked at her sister and began to see her as a young, vivacious woman instead of the little girl with pigtails that used to tag along behind her like a lost puppy.

**********************************

            Sheila flipped idly through her magazine as she sat comfortably within the plush interior of the limousine.  Suddenly, the silence was broken by the tinkling sounds of the "Xena" theme filling the limo.  Sheila squealed in surprise having forgotten she even had her phone with her.  She fumbled for the phone as she saw the partition slide down, and a concerned Linda looking back at her.

            Sheila, red faced, held up the phone in explanation.  “Hello?”

            Linda nodded and the partition began to rise. 

            Sheila placed her hand over the mouthpiece and mouthed, ‘wait’.  Linda nodded and the partition slid back down.

            “Sheila?  Are you there?  Damn cell phones.  Always cutting out.”

            Sheila smiled at her grumpy lover’s voice filled her heart.  “No, Lu, I’m here.  How are you baby?"”

            “Oh!  Good.  I thought we had a bad cell or something.  I'm okay, honey.  How’re my baby and my baby's baby?"

“We miss you.”

            “I miss you too.  Listen, honey, I don’t have a lot of time.  I just wanted to call you, and tell you that I’m thinking of you, and I’m sorry for not calling sooner.  I love you and I can’t wait to have you in my arms again.”

            “Oh really?" Sheila purred. "Is that all?"  Sheila blushed prettily as her usually stoic lover went on to describe in great detail just how much she was missed and exactly what she would do to make it up to her. She glanced up to see Linda smiling at her indulgently with a knowing gleam in her eyes.  "Lu, honey, I'm not alone here," Sheila said weakly into the phone fanning herself with her magazine.

            Lu chuckled.  “Well I guess you have some explaining to do then.  I’ll see you tomorrow night at the party.”

            “Did you get a costume?” Sheila asked thankful for something to focus on other than her throbbing libido.

            “Yeah.  I got something.”

            “Care to share?” Sheila asked her curiosity piqued.

            “Nope.  You’ll just have to wait and see.”

            Sheila smiled.  “Okay.  I love you.  Be careful.  Oh, by the way, thank Ash for the limo. ”

            “Limo?  What?”

            “You mean to tell me you weren’t in on this little conspiracy?” Sheila asked, but had a feeling Lu didn’t hear a word she said since she could hear her barking at someone on the other end of the phone.

            “Sorry, baby.  I’m back.  So my so-called friend set you up with an elegant ride and didn’t bother to tell me,” Lu grumbled.

            “Seems that way,” Sheila replied with a smile.

            “Well, you enjoy it, baby.  I’ll see you tomorrow night.  Love you.”

            “Oh we will.  Love you too.  Be careful.”

            “Always.  Bye.”

            “Bye.”  Sheila sighed and let the phone fall limply to her lap.  Linda cleared her throat and Sheila looked up chagrined.  “Oh sorry, Linda.  Guess I spaced out for a minute there.”

            “No problem.  I think I would’ve too,” Linda replied with a grin.

            Sheila smiled.  “Well, I wonder where the girls are?  I thought they’d be back here by now,” she said glancing at her watch.

            “They should be along any moment.  I checked the airline and Miss O’Shea’s flight has arrived.  They’re probably just fighting through the crowd at the luggage claim,” Linda replied.

            “Oh good!  Quick thinking,” Sheila said with a nod.  “Guess that means you’ll be taking us back to the apartment soon.”

            Linda laughed and Sheila looked at her questioningly.  “Sorry, Sheila.  I guess I should give you this now.”

            Linda held out an embossed envelope over the partition.  Sheila frowned as she took it.  “What’s this?”

            Linda shrugged.  “Why don’t you read it and find out?  I need to get this boat moving so we can be at the curb when they come out.”

            Sheila nodded distractedly, turning the envelope over in her hands as she listened to the soft whir of the partition sliding back up.  “Hmmm, now what?” she mused as she turned the envelope over and slid her finger under the flap to open it.   “Whoa!” she yelped, reaching out to stead herself as the limo surged into motion.  She righted herself, glancing out the window to see the area packed with cars.  She marveled at the ease in which Linda maneuvered the large car through the crush, the envelope temporarily forgotten in her hand. 

            Linda eased the car towards the curb and Sheila searched the milling crowd for her friends.  A flash of color caught her eye and she turned her attention towards it.  She spotted Lauren, Rachel, and a petite auburn haired woman, who had a striking resemblance to Lauren.  That must be Katie, she presumed as the limo came to a halt.

            Rachel stepped up to the back of the limousine and opened the door.  “Hey, Sheila.”

            “Hi,” Sheila replied, scooting back across the seat to make room for the new arrivals.

            Rachel climbed in and went straight to the mini fridge, pulling out a bottle of water.  She sat down, unscrewed the cap, and drank.  “That really hit the spot.”

            “Thirsty?” Sheila asked in surprise.

            “Parched,” Rachel said as she reached for another bottle.  “It was really warm in there.”

            “Gee, Rachel, I’d think all that coffee you had would keep you from being thirsty,” Lauren teased, as she ducked inside followed closely by the young auburn haired woman.  “And I don’t think the heat had anything to do with the air conditioning.  Sheila, this is my sister, Katie.  Katie, Sheila,” Lauren introduced them as she took a seat next to Rachel.

            “Pleasure to meet you,” Sheila said with a smile, noting the wide-eyed stare of the girl.  “Are you okay?”

            Katie blinked, seeming to come back to herself.  “Huh?  Oh yeah.  I’ve just never ridden in a limo before.”   She looked around the interior curiously.  “Where’d you get the car, sis?”

            Lauren laughed.  “I didn’t.”  Katie pinned her with a quizzical eye, which succeeded in only making Lauren laugh harder.

            Rachel elbowed Lauren, but to no avail.  She rolled her eyes and replied, “The limo is a gift from Ash.  Guess she wanted you picked up in style.”

            “Really?  Wow,” Katie said impressed.

            The partition whirred down, all eyes turning to Linda sitting behind the steering wheel.  “We all settled?”

            “You bet,” Rachel assured her.

            “Home, James,” Lauren said with a pompous wave of her hand.  The affect was totally ruined by the giggles that were still escaping though.

            Linda smiled indulgently.  “We have a few stops to make first.”

            “What?”  Rachel asked, turning to stare at her.  “Stops?  What are you talking about?”

            “The note will explain it all,” Linda replied mysteriously as the partition whirred up before anyone else could voice a query.

            “Note?  What note?” Katie asked.

            “Oh!  This!”  Sheila answered, holding up the forgotten envelope for all to see.  “I totally forgot about it.”

            “What does it say?”  Lauren asked, leaning forward intently.

            “I guess we’ll have to open it and find out,” Sheila said as she put actions to words.  The limousine pulled out into traffic without anyone taking note, since they were all staring with open curiosity at Sheila as she opened the envelope.  Sheila pulled out the creamy white card within, looking up to see the anticipation on their faces.  She giggled.  “I feel like there should be a drum roll or something.”

            Rachel happily obliged by beating a tempo on her thighs.  Lauren and Katie laughing joined in.

            Sheila grinned, raising the card to read the inscription.   She cleared her throat and read, “ ‘Greetings, Ladies.  I hope you’re enjoying the limo, but the surprises have just begun.  So sit back, relax, and enjoy the rest of your evening.  I can’t wait to see you all at the party tomorrow night.’  And it’s signed, Ash.”

            The women all turned to look at one another to see if anyone had any clue as to what was going on.  All had the same identical puzzled face. 

            “Huh, I wonder what she has in mind for us?” Rachel said breaking the silence.

            “Ash?  That’s your girlfriend, right?” Katie asked her sister causing her to blush and Rachel to guffaw.

            “Oh yeah, she’s her girl all right,” Rachel teased, poking Lauren playfully in the ribs.

            “Shut up,” Lauren grumbled, poking her back before turning to her sister.  “Yes, Ash is my girlfriend for lack of a better word.”

            “And she did all this?  Why?” Katie asked, waving her hands for emphasis.

            Lauren opened her mouth and then snapped it shut unsure of how to answer that.  Luckily Sheila saw her distress and rode to the rescue.  “Oh, Ash has been really busy with work this week, and I think she’s trying to make up to your sister here for all the time they missed together.”

            “Oh,” Katie replied with a nod.

            Lauren mouthed a thank you to Sheila before saying, “So where do you think we’re headed?”

            “Guess we’ll just have to do what Ash suggested,” Rachel said leaning back as all eyes turned to her.  “Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.”

            Lauren laughed followed by the others, who all nodded in agreement.

****************************

            The limousine slowed and turned into a parking lot.  The women in the back peered out the windows with growing excitement and curiosity.

            “Simone’s,” Rachel read the sign above the door of the shop that they had stopped before.  “What kind of place is this?”

            Lauren frowned puzzled and then spotted a showcase window.   Her lips curled up into a grin.  “I think it’s a dress shop.”

            “Clothes?  Why would Ash send us for clothes?” Sheila wondered as Linda came to the back door and opened it.

            “Ladies, if you’ll follow me please,” Linda said.

            “Do you know what this is all about, Linda?” Sheila asked as Linda helped her out of the car.

            “I just drive the car,” Linda deadpanned with a smile.

            “Uh huh,” Sheila murmured unconvinced.  She stepped out of the way so the others could exit the car and walked towards the front of the shop.  She peeked in the window, realizing right away that this was not your average buy off the rack type of establishment.  Now just what exactly are you up to, Ash?  You have more facets than a damn diamond, she thought, turning to wait for the others to approach.

            “Wow!  This looks really ritzy,” Katie exclaimed, coming up beside Sheila and peering through the window like a little kid at a candy shop.

            Linda stepped around the gaggle of gawking women, pulling the door open causing a gentle peel of bells to sound.  “After you,” she said, sweeping her arm out to them.

            “Well, let’s go in and see what’s what,” Lauren suggested.

            The others readily agreed and followed in Lauren’s wake as she stepped through the open door to be greeted by the aroma of some exotic flower.

            “Holy moly,” Rachel gasped, gawking at the opulent interior.

            “Close your mouth, Rach.  I don’t think we can afford to pay for any of this if you stain it with drool,” Lauren reprimanded partially serious as her gaze fell on some of the most beautiful gowns she had ever seen.

            A soft laugh pulled their attention to the shadowed alcove at the back of the shop.  An elegant silver haired woman dressed in flowing blue silk glided towards them with a welcoming smile.  “Oh, I don’t think you need concern yourself about that, dear,” she said in a light contralto with a slight accent.  Her eyes alighted on the chauffeur.  “Ah, Linda, good to see you again.  Are these the friends of Miss Gray?”

            Linda took the older woman’s hands in hers, leaning forward to lightly kiss her cheek.  “Yes, ma’am.  I was informed you would take good care of them, so I’ll just wait out in the car.”

            “Nonsense!” the woman announced with a dismissive wave.  “You scoot right on back to the parlor and have some tea.  I’ll have Gwen come get you when we’re finished here.”

            “Yes, ma’am,” Linda replied meekly, ducking around her to disappear through the alcove that the woman had appeared in.

            Rachel glanced at Lauren, but Lauren had no answers for her so she just shrugged.

            “Ah, you must be Lauren,” the woman said stepping over to Lauren and offering her well-manicured hand.

            Lauren unconsciously took the offered hand.  “Y-yes, ma’am.”

            The woman smiled indulgently.  “I’m Simone, the owner of this humble boutique.  And since we have much to do and not much time to do it in, why don’t we get started?”

            “Get started?”  Lauren asked perplexed.

            “Doing what?” Rachel added.

            The woman laughed softly.  “Why getting you dressed of course.”  She clapped her hands and three elegantly dressed women materialized out of the back and took up positions behind Simone waiting attentively. 

            “But we can’t possibly afford—“ Lauren’s argument was cut off by Simone lifting a hand. 

            “No, I will not hear of money,” Simone said, meeting Lauren’s confused green eyes with pale blue.  “Miss Gray did me a great favor once upon a time, and I promised her I would be forever at her disposal.  So please don’t sully the gift by speaking of payment.”

            Lauren studied those pale blue eyes and saw kindness wrapped in steel.  “I’m sorry,” she murmured, bowing her head to gather her thoughts, and then looking up once more.  “Please show us what you have in mind.”

            Simone smiled warmly and walked around the group her pale blue eyes studying them with an educated eye.  She’d pause and murmur to herself, and then continue to circle them.  She finally came to a stop before Lauren once more and winked.  “I think I’ll handle you myself, dear,” she said, taking Lauren’s hand and gently leading her to stand beside her.  “Hannah, you help the lovely blonde,” Simone said nodding at Rachel. 

            Rachel blushed at the compliment as Hannah came up to stand beside her.

            Simone tapped her chin thoughtfully as she studied the remaining two.  “Beverly, you aid the mother to be and Fiona that leaves you with our young fiery one.”

            The two attendees came forward, introduced themselves, taking up positions beside nervous, but excited Sheila and Katie.

            “Let’s get this show on the road,” Simone said with a laugh, leading Lauren over to a rack of exquisite silks.

**********

            An hour had passed and Linda was getting antsy.  She sipped her tea trying not to fidget.  She knew that they had to be at their next appointment soon, but she also knew to interrupt Simone was never a good idea.  I’ll give them ten more minutes, but then I’ll just have to take the bull by the horns and insist that we get going, Linda decided.

            Linda had just set down her cup of tea and stood as the time expired when Gwen, Simone’s personal assistant, stepped through the door surprising her.  “Damn!  You scared me,” Linda said, grasping her chest.

            “Sorry, Linda.  I just came in to tell you that Simone says the ladies are ready to depart,” Gwen said in her quiet voice.

            “Oh good.  Now I don’t have to face her down and demand she relinquish them,” Linda replied with a grin.

            Gwen laughed lightly.  “I think I’d pay to see that.”

            “I’m just glad it wasn’t necessary,” Linda said, shaking her head ruefully.  “The last time I had to do that, it took me weeks for the skin to grow back on my hindquarters.”  Gwen’s eyes widened and Linda laughed playfully.  “Just kidding.”

            “That was mean,” Gwen retorted, but her smile belied her anger.

            “I promise to behave next time.  Thanks for the tea,” Linda said, brushing past Gwen and heading into the public area of the salon.

            Linda paused as the women came into view.  Simone had worked her usual magic, and they were all beautiful to behold.  Simone’s designs were simplicity taken to an art form using rich materials and knowing the way to drape a body to bring out its best features.   Lauren and her sister Katie, being of similar coloring, were draped in elegant blue-green silk gowns that hugged their bodies, hinting at treasures beneath.  Rachel hair had been piled on her head to expose her long neck and was wrapped in a fiery red sheath that practically screamed sensuality.  For the delicate featured and obviously pregnant Sheila, Simone and her staff had layered her in a silk that looked black until she moved; then highlights of purple shone.  Linda couldn’t resist the urge to let out a wolf whistle in appreciation.  All heads turned towards her.  “Hot mamas!” Linda crowed, waggling her eyebrows appreciatively.

            “Linda!  Did no one ever teach you manners?” Simone scolded, shaking a finger at her.

            Linda grinned unrepentant.  “Some old woman, but I guess it didn’t stick.”

            Simone glided over to her and gently slapped the back of her head.  “Old woman?  Really!” Simone said haughtily.

            Linda laughed, swooping in to give her a quick kiss on the cheek before dancing out of reach.  The others watched this baffled at their chauffeur’s antics and Simone’s sudden slip into domesticity.

            “What’s going on?” Rachel asked Hannah out of the corner of her mouth.

            “Oh, Linda is just up to her old tricks again.  Simone is her grandmother, and I swear that girl lives to irritate her,” Hannah whispered.

            “Really?  Now that’s interesting,” Rachel murmured thoughtfully.

            Linda dodged her grandmother, laughing as she halted before the front door her eyes twinkling with mischief.  “They look great and we really need to get going.”

            Simone paused in her pursuit and swept her hair back with one hand.  “Very well.  They’re ready to go as you can plainly see,” Simone said before turning to the group of guests.  “Please do me the favor of getting this hellion out of my boutique.”

            “That would be our pleasure.”  Rachel smirked walking over to Linda and taking her arm so the taller woman could escort her.  She looked up to meet the mischievous gaze and said, “You heard the woman, out!  Rachel glanced back at the splendidly attired women waiting.  “Thank you, Simone.”

            Linda laughed, but obligingly opened the door walking out with Rachel on her arm.

Sheila and Katie both murmured their thanks before following in Rachel’s wake, leaving only Lauren to bid her respects.

            Lauren gazed once more into the large mirror before her shaking her head in disbelief.  That elegant woman staring back at her couldn’t possibly be her.

            “Do you like it, my dear?” Simone asked appearing in the mirror over Lauren’s right shoulder.

            “I love it,” Lauren murmured sincerely.  She met Simone’s eyes in the mirror and held them.  “Can I ask you a question?”

            Simone’s lips curled up in slight smile.  “Never hurts to ask, my dear, though I don’t promise to answer.”

            Lauren giggled.  “I was just wondering how you knew Ash?”  She felt her heart constrict and then begin racing in anticipation of the answer.  “I mean, she must have done something extraordinary for you to do all this for us.”

            Simone dropped her eyes, busying her hands by minutely adjusting Lauren’s dress.  “I owe her more than a few gowns, my dear.” She glanced up to meet Lauren’s curious gaze before continuing.  “It was many years ago.  My daughter was murdered, and my grand daughter had taken it into her thick skull to go after the murderer.”  Simone eyes darkened at the memory.

            “I’m so sorry,” Lauren murmured.

            Simone shook her head to banish the images.  “It was many years ago now.  I was frantic with worry for my grand daughter.  Afraid of what trouble she might get into.  I had already lost a daughter, I didn’t want to lose her too.”

            “What did you do?”

            Simone chuckled.  “The only thing I could do, I forbade her to do it.  Of course that didn’t stop her, and one day I came home from work and she was gone.  I didn’t have the shop then, I was working retail at one of the big department stores.  She just left a note saying she had to find out who had killed her mother.”  Simone closed her eyes sighing.  “I didn’t know how she, a 16 year old girl, was going to be able to do what the police hadn’t, but like I said, she was pigheaded.”

            Lauren turned to face her laying a gentle hand on her arm in comfort.  “I bet you were beside yourself with worry.”

            Simone opened her eyes and smiled.  “I’m afraid I went a little crazy in my grief and worry.  I stormed into the police station and demanded they do something.  They said they’d do their best, but I didn’t think that was good enough.  I was on the verge of taking to the streets myself that very night when a knock came at my front door.”

            Lauren’s eyebrows shot up.  “You don’t mean…?”

            Simone nodded.  “I opened the door and there was my errant grand daughter being held by the scruff of her neck by none other than your Ashlin.  I couldn’t believe my eyes.”

            “Really?” Lauren asked in disbelief.

            “Really,” Simone concurred with a nod.  “She introduced herself, frog marched my wayward child in, and then told me in no uncertain terms that she would catch the man responsible for my Danielle’s murder, but that this little hellion of mine was messing up the works and I needed to sit on her.”

            “That definitely sounds like Ash,” Lauren said with a fond smile.

            “To tell you the truth,” Simone said, leaning in close to whisper this confidence.  “The woman scared me to death!  I think she put the fear of God into my grand child too, because I had no problems with her after Miss Gray left.  She just got up, meekly went in her room, and pretty much stayed there until we found out the murderer had been caught and was in jail.”
            “So Ash caught him?” Lauren asked rhetorically.

            “Yes, she most certainly did.  We heard it on the news a few days later.  Then about a week later I opened my door to receive a telegram,” Simone replied her eyes taking on that distant look of one seeing past events.  “The man handed me a large envelope.  I remember being annoyed because I was running late and I needed to get to work.  The man insisted that I sign all these forms.  I kept asking him why I needed to sign so many forms for just one little envelope?”

            Lauren leaned forward intrigued.  “What was in the envelope?”

            Simone blinked coming back to the present.  “Would you believe it was a deed to this very shop and the beginning capital to get it started?”

            “No!” Lauren gasped in amazement.

            Simone nodded.  “There was a note.  Something to the effect that she knew that this wouldn’t make up for the loss of a child, but knew it had always been a dream of mine.  Plus having my own place would allow me to keep a more watchful eye on my grand daughter, who was going to need a lot of attention over the next couple of years.”

            “Wow,” Lauren murmured stunned.

            “Wow indeed,” Simone agreed softly.  “Now, my dear, I think you better go before that crazy grand daughter of mine comes in here on a rescue mission.”

            “Linda?  Linda is your grand daughter?” Lauren asked finally putting it all together.

            Simone smiled.  “The one and only.  She’s a handful, but she has a heart of gold.”

            Lauren stepped forward, pulling Simone into a heartfelt embrace.  “Thank you for everything, Simone.  I’ll never forget you.”

            Simone patted her gently on the back.  “I’m just glad to see that Ashlin has finally met someone to love.”

            Lauren blushed as she stepped back.  “Thank you.  You’ve given me a peek into her past and I’ll always treasure that.  There is so much about her that is a mystery.  I’m looking forward to many years of playing sleuth to puzzle her out.”

            Simone laughed enchanted at the analogy.  “Well, you bring her by here one of these days.  She doesn’t visit often enough.”

            Lauren nodded, heading towards the door.  She turned and waved once more, knowing that she would be back.  “Thank you.”

            “Most welcome,” Simone said as Lauren exited the shop.

*********************************

            The foursome speculated as to where they could possibly be going next as the limousine drove into the night.

            “Well, it’s obviously somewhere snazzy considering the clothes,” Rachel deduced.

            “And it’s almost dinner time,” Lauren pointed out.

            “So, I guess our best bet is some kind of restaurant,” Sheila surmised with a nod.

            “Ash sure did go through a lot of trouble to set all this up,” Katie said, shaking her head in amazement.

            Lauren blushed.  “Yeah, I guess she did.”

            “Told you she was a keeper,” Rachel stated, giving Lauren a toothy grin.

            “You did not!” Lauren argued playfully.  “You just said she had a hot body.”

            “Well,” Rachel said drawing the word out as she tapped her chin, “she definitely has that.”

            “Really?” Katie asked leaning forward eagerly as her sister blushed.

            “Oh yeah,” Rachel replied making an hourglass motion with her hands.  “Tasty.”

            “Rachel!” Lauren said in mock outrage, slapping her friend on the shoulder.

            “What?  Just stating the facts, ma’am,” Rachel said, fending Lauren off.

            “What does she look like?” Katie asked looking between the two.

            “She’s tall, dark haired, with blue eyes,” Sheila replied, causing Katie to turn to her seatmate.

            “How tall?” Katie asked as Sheila’s eyebrows rose.  “Well, I mean, everyone is tall to me.”  She looked Sheila up and down.  “And I have a feeling the same goes for you.  So, does tall mean five-six or what?”

            Sheila laughed at the young woman’s audacity.  “True.  Everyone does seem tall when you’re vertically challenged, but Ash is the genuine article when it comes to tall.  Considering Lu is five-ten and she tops that, I’d say she’s around six foot.”

            Katie’s eyes bugged out.  “Six foot?   As in six feet tall?” she asked, trying to wrap her brain around it.

            “Yep, and strong as an ox.  Not that you can tell that by looking at her,” Rachel added.

            “I wouldn’t go comparing her to an ox in her presence, Rachel,” Sheila suggested dryly.

            Rachel noticeably paled and Lauren laughed.  “Oooh, I dare you, Rach!  I’d love to see Ash pin you with one of her looks, arch that eyebrow at you, and watch you squirm.”

            “Oh no, no, no!” Rachel said holding up her hands defensively.  “I do not have a death wish, thank you very much.  I’ll leave tall, dark, and dangerous to you.”

            “Tall, dark, and dangerous?” Katie asked with a slight frown marring her features.  “What do you mean by that?”

            Rachel glanced apologetically at Lauren who shrugged.  “Ash just has this aura of menace about her if you don’t know her,” Lauren explained.  “She’s really quite sweet.”

            Rachel snorted making Lauren elbow her in the ribs.  “Oof!” Rachel scooted across the seat, glaring at her friend.  “Right.  Sweet.”

            Katie’s suspicions were up.  “What aren’t you telling me?”

            Lauren met her sister’s eyes and knew that she had to tell her something, but what?  That Ash had been a ruthless bounty hunter and had probably killed people?  No, no, not a good idea. 

            “I think what Rachel is trying to say is that Ash can come across as being a bit threatening,” Sheila said as all eyes turned to her.  Lauren mouthed a silent, thank you, as Sheila continued, “Ash is really rather shy and I think she puts on this air of mystery and has this look that says, ‘don’t come near me or I may have to hurt you.’  She hides behind this stoic mask so you don’t realize what a kind, gentle person is hiding beneath that façade.”

            “Oh,” Katie said, nodding in understanding.  “I can understand that.  Especially since she’s been in the public eye so much with her music.  That must be really hard.”

            Lauren jumped on the idea.  “Right.  She’s a very private person, so to keep people from constantly badgering her she makes herself unapproachable.”

            Katie glanced at her sister, a wicked smile curling her lips.  “So how did you manage to get so close then?”

            Lauren’s mouth fell open dumbfounded.  “Uhhh,” she stuttered.

            Sheila and Rachel laughed at the look on Lauren’s face as Katie sat back pleased with herself.

            “That was Benson’s doing,” Rachel said.

            “Benson?” Katie asked.

            “Benson is Ash’s cousin and Lauren’s landlord.  He kind of set them up,” Rachel explained getting into the groove of totally embarrassing Lauren.

            “Oh really?” Katie asked interested.

            Before Rachel could expound on the set up, the limousine slowed.  The four women looked at one another and then glanced out the windows.

            The limousine was pulling into a sparsely filled parking lot.  They looked around trying to figure out where they could possibly be going since nothing offered itself as a restaurant or anything else.  The vehicle stopped and they all stared at one another at a loss.

            “Do you think Linda is lost?” Rachel asked, peering out the window at the drab surroundings.

            “I wouldn’t think so, but this sure doesn’t look very inviting,” Sheila replied with a puzzled frown.

            The rear door opened and Linda stooped over to peer inside.  “You ladies ready?”

            “Ready for what?” Lauren asked, accepting Linda’s hand to help her out.

            “You’ll see,” Linda replied cryptically as she turned to aid the others in exiting the limousine.  When the four women were all accounted for, Linda turned.  “Follow me.”

            Linda started across the parking lot and after glancing at one another the others followed.  Linda stopped before a brick wall that had a banged up metal door.  She rapped a peculiar rhythm on it, and rocked back on her heels as she waited for someone to answer.

            “What is this place?” Katie whispered, inching closer to Sheila for comfort.

            Sheila shook her head having no idea.

            The door suddenly swung open bathing them all in pale light.  A delicious aroma wafted out along with the sounds of laughter and music.  A slight Hispanic man in a tuxedo stood silhouetted in the doorway his face unreadable.  “Son estedes el groupo de Gray?”

            “Si, Senor,” Linda replied, stepping back so the man could see the women behind her.

            The man looked them up and down and a sunny smile transformed his dour face.  “Ah!  Bien! Bien! So glad you have arrived.  If you will follow me, porfavor,” he said beckoning them forward.

            Lauren glanced at Linda questioningly.  Linda grinned motioning her to go on. 

            Lauren turned to the man managing a smile.  She felt the others at her back and that gave her enough courage to follow the man as he led the way inside.  She trailed behind him looking around in curiosity.  They seemed to be in some kind of service entrance with plain unadorned walls.  The man glanced back to make sure they were still behind him an eager grin on his lips.  Lauren smiled weakly back, the man’s enthusiasm making her uneasy.  The man turned to the left and ascended a staircase. 

“Quidado… uhh,” he stopped visibly fishing in his mind for the correct translation.  A light reflected in his eyes when he found it, “Please be careful.”

Lauren felt behind her and was grateful when she felt a warm hand clasp hers and squeeze reassuringly.  She looked over her shoulder to see Rachel smiling encouragement.

            “I’ll say one thing for Ash, she’s full of surprises,” Rachel whispered gently pushing Lauren to set her back in motion.

            Lauren nodded in agreement, climbing the staircase after their host’s retreating form.  She had no idea where they were going or what to expect, but knowing that Ash had set this up did bring her a modicum of comfort.

            Their host waited at the top of the stairwell.  He held back a heavy golden drape beckoning her through.  “This way, Senorita.  Watch your step.”

            He held out a hand to steady her.  Lauren, bowing her head in thanks, stepped through the opening.  She looked up and gasped.

            “What?” Rachel demanded from behind her as she bumped into the now frozen Lauren.  “Hey, Laur, move your can so the rest of us can see.”

            Lauren shook off her paralysis, moving forward a few steps to peer over the balcony.  Before her was one of the most beautiful rooms she had ever seen.  It was obvious that at one time it had been an old turn of the century opera hall that the owners had refurbished.  The ceiling was still adorned with gold leaf that framed hand painted frescos of cherubs, clouds, and flowers--all designs reminiscent of that time; large crystal chandeliers hung every few feet to add to the elegance.  The walls were hung in heavy damask draperies.  She grasped the brass rail and peered down, seeing candlelit tables arranged on a hard wood floor all facing a raised stage.   She gawked at the heavy red velvet drapes across the stage and wondered what they would reveal.

            “Holy cow!  This rocks!” Rachel exclaimed, coming up beside her and leaning dangerously far over the railing.

            “Rachel!  Be careful,” Sheila gasped, grabbing the back of Rachel’s dress and tugging her back from the brink of disaster. 

            Rachel gave Sheila a properly chastened look, but her eyes danced unrepentant.  “Sorry, Sheila.  Guess I got carried away.  How come I never knew about this place?”

            Lauren turned at the question, meeting the cheerful dark eyes of their host.  “Welcome to the Forum, senoritas,” he greeted them with a wide flare of his arms to encompass the room.   “Yo soy Diego, I am to be sure that your--Como se dese? —Every desire is fulfilled.  Con permiso?" His dark eyes gleamed as he pulled out a chair, looking to Lauren he asked, "Senorita, porfavor?"

            Lauren stepped forward gracefully taking the seat that Diego held for her.  “Gracias.”

            Diego beamed at the use of his native tongue as he held the next chair.  “Senora?  For you.”

            Sheila smiled graciously taking the proffered seat.  “Thank you, Diego.”

            “De nada,” he replied stepping to the next seat available.  “Senorita?”

            Katie cheeks flushed pink as she slid into the seat.  “Thank you,” she said softly, ducking her head shyly.

            Diego smiled warmly as he held the remaining seat for Rachel.  “Senorita, this is for you.”

            “Gracias,” Rachel replied hoping her accent wasn’t as atrocious as she thought.  “Is that right?”

            Diego grinned.  “Si.  Very good, senorita.”

            Rachel beamed in pleasure, scooting her chair closer to the table and looking around.  “Is there going to be some kind of show?” she asked waving towards the stage down below.

            “Si.  You have good seats, no?” Diego replied, passing out menus.

            “Is this where Ash would sit when she’s here?” Lauren asked accepting the menu.  Diego looked at her blankly and Lauren realized her mistake.  “Oh!  I mean Miss Gray.”

            Diego’s face lit up.  “Si!  This was her favorite table,” he replied nodding enthusiastically.  “I will bring you something for appetizer while you look over the menu.”

            He turned and disappeared down the stairwell before any of them could say anything more.

            “This place is awfully fancy,” Katie remarked as she gazed out across the softly lit room.

            Lauren looked up from the menu with a nod.  “Sure is.   I wonder what the entertainment is in a place like this?”

            “Hey!” Rachel said her brow furrowing.

            “What?” Lauren asked surprised.

            “Do any of you have prices on your menus?” Rachel asked, holding out her menu so they could see that no prices were listed next to the entrees.

            They all glanced down at their menus.

            “Mine doesn’t.  Does yours, Sheila?” Lauren asked.

            “No, and I doubt Katie’s does either,” Sheila surmised, looking up to meet quizzical eyes all around.

            “Nope.  No prices here,” Katie agreed, setting her menu down.

            “Well how are we supposed to know how much stuff costs?” Rachel demanded belligerently.

            “I think that’s the point.  You’re not supposed to know,” Sheila remarked with a small smile playing across her lips