Marina opened the sliding door to the terrace and stepped aside for Sadie to enter.

This is amazing. Sadies voice was awed.

The terrace was ablaze in a glory of crimson hues with cool blue and yellow accents. Bougainvillea flowered along the cement wall separating the spacious terrace from next door. Huge potted olive and lemon trees offered shade and privacy, which was augmented by trumpet vines growing along the arbor that ran the full length of the terrace. Hibiscus and gerbers rounded out the flowering symphony in slender rectangular planter boxes made of terra cotta. Aromatic herbs grew in generous sprays between the flowers, so that the entire space felt, and smelled, like a lush, healthy oasis.

A copper fountain bubbled merrily near a bistro table set for two. Set in the recesses of the terrace, a sheer, gauzy fabric created a curtain, behind which a straw mat supported a low platform bed that had been covered with soft blankets. Brightly colored accent pillows were strewn over the top giving it a decidedly Morrocan flair.

Sadie turned to Marina. Green thumb?

Marina laughed. Youre the first to see it in full bloom this year. She moved to the grill. Paella? She indicated the dutch oven which rested on the grills side burner.

Yum! What can I do to help?

Marina nodded to the table, Refill our glasses, pour some water, and make yourself comfortable.

Sadie did as instructed, and was shortly served a steaming plate full of the hearty Spanish dish. Shrimp, mussels, chicken, chorizo and rice were blended together masterfully, and Sadie tucked in enthusiastically.

Where did you learn to cook like this? She asked when she came up for air.

My mother is Spanish. She loves to cook, and she always enjoyed having me around while she was in the kitchen. Those were some of the best times I remember about growing up.

Marinas face took on a distant glow as she reminisced about her childhood in Southern France. Sadies voice brought her crashing back to the current day.

Why did you come to the States?

Francesca. She taught a course in theater at the university I attended. I fell madly in lust with her, and followed her when she left. Marina briskly tucked a stray strand behind her ear and looked at Sadie. You spoke about life taking you in unexpected directions. I guess thats a good example.

Sadie placed a hand over Marinas. At the risk of sounding cheesy and triteIm really glad we are in the same place right now. Sheesh! That WAS cheesy and trite! Sadie shook her head. What say we put on some Barry Manilow and let me self destruct quickly? Perhaps Ill line dance to Achy Breaky Heart for you, or even better how about some Enya whilst I bat my eyelashes and simper on about destiny and fate? Sadie giggled and sat back. Im betting I dont seem so safe now, huh?

More like certifiable! Marina agreed.

*-*-*

Danas cell phone rang.

Dammit that thing is annoying! Lara paused to catch her breath. Dana just grunted in agreement, she was too busy unbuttoning Laras jeans to pay much attention to anything else.

The phone continued to shrill. Laras knees folded as Danas hand reached her target. She gasped and tightened her grip on Danas ***** while instinctively arching back against the wall. Danas mouth found hers and Lara returned the kiss with all of the pent up tension shed felt the long month shed watched Dana without speaking to her. She feverishly began to pull at Danas sweater, and the lean athlete broke away just long enough to yank the garment over her head. Once again, she resumed her barrage of kisses that trailed away from Laras yielding mouth, down her throat and then delicately slid from breast to breast. Danas tongue circled and teased, while she rocked Lara with a rhythmic stroking that had the woman moaning with pleasure.

The phone fell silent, and moments later Laras release echoed through the room.

*-*-*
Hmmmm. Alice contemplated as she put her cell phone on the table.

What? Shane had been surveying the crowd for any interesting newbies. She turned back to the table where she and Al had just set up shop for the evening. She spoke loud to be heard over the music. Who were you calling?

Dana. I told her Id call at 11 with a life threatening crisis.

You dont seem to be too threatened.

No”to give her an excuse to leave in case Sadies hook up turns out to be a pathetic loser.

Ahand she didnt answer?

Nope—you dont think shes ***** her brains out, do you?

Nah! They chorused and downed a jello shooter.

*-*-*
Danas body shuddered with pleasure and as she felt the last strands of sadness melt away from her heart, she called out Laras name.

*-*-*
Dessert?

Sadie looked over with a smile. What do you have in mind?

Something light and sweet. Marina nodded to the pallet behind the gauzy curtain. Why dont you make yourself comfortable. Ill be right back. And she disappeared into her apartment.

Sadie ducked under the curtain and sat cross-legged on the mattress. Looking out, she was struck by a distant memory. It was the evening of Paiges wake. Paige had been adamant that her life be celebrated rather than her death mourned. In fact, shed taken the measures herself to reserve the rooftop terrace at one of their favorite restaurants for the event. Sadie had been surrounded with friends, but had felt so alone that evening. During the last hour, shed been standing at the railing, politely nodding as one of their friends prattled on about community, when a flash of light caught her attention. Shed turned to witness the most amazing meteor shower. For a full three minutes, streak after streak subtly split the evening sky. Shed laughed through her tears, thinking to herself it was just like Paige to go out with a bang.

Marinas silky voice brought her back to the moment. You look so innocent sitting there.

Sadie stirred, her memories sliding into the past. She stretched languidly and said, Innocence is overrated.

Marina slipped into the outdoor room, and knelt onto the mattress. Close your eyes, cher.

Sadies skin tingled with anticipation as she shut her eyes. She heard the rustle of fabric as Marina moved behind her. Marinas voice breathed softly into her ear. Dessert is meant to be a sensual experience. We have become spoiled by presentation. So many times, what appears to be a delicacy tastes bland. Its texture, and scent and taste that should be relished when we are indulging our selves. Sadie felt the cool brush of silk as Marina brought a scarf over her eyes.

Lean back, cher, and let me indulge you. Sadie slowly relaxed into the pillows that had been mounded behind her. She felt every nerve humming as she tried to detect Marinas whereabouts. A hint of Marinas cologne was faintly evident on the blindfold, and Sadie felt her body awaken to senses shed thought lost.

The heat from Marinas body returned, and her voice was husky as she asked, Are you ready?

Sadie smiled. I know that I am.

Marinas finger traced Sadies lips delivering a glossing of honey. While Sadie let her tongue slowly absorb the sweetness, Marina straddled her hips and sighed audibly as she settled comfortably. Sadies hands came around to rest lightly on Marinas thighs, and she moaned when her fingers felt impossibly soft skin, rather than the denim shed expected.

Marinas voice was low. Open your mouth, cher.

Sadie obediently tilted her head back and opened. She felt Marina lean forward, and a prickly fruit kissed her lower lip. Sadie recognized the scent of strawberry and she bit down tentatively, lost in the slight tartness of the fruit mingled with the sweetness of honey and heightened by the heat of Marinas nearness. As she swallowed, Marinas lips came down softly on hers, and she was swept away by the slow, tender kiss that breathed so much longing. Her hands brushed Marinas blouse and nimbly she began to unbutton the cotton shirt.

Marina pulled back. Desserts not quite done yet, cher. Though, youre moving in the right direction.

Sadie heard the rustle of fabric, shortly followed by Marinas sultry toned, Trust your senses.

Sadie sat forward, capturing Marinas mouth while allowing her hands to explore. Marina guided the blonde back to the pillows, as she pulled one of Sadies hands free and moved it to her mouth. She kissed Sadies palm then sucked lightly on Sadies index finger. She pulled Sadies finger to her breast, and Sadie immediately twisted, expertly rotating Marina so that the brunette was laying on the mattress. Marina gasped with surprise.

Sadie took a ragged breath. My senses are pretty alert. She dropped her head to Marinas breast, and began to lap up the whipping cream that Marina had applied to her nipples. Marinas body bucked with pleasure, and Sadie could hear a low moan emanating from the woman beneath her.

She reached up and removed her blindfold. She held Marinas gaze as she stepped off the mattress. She slowly undressed and, naked, she turned and slipped through the curtain into the open night air. Marina watched curiously as Sadie retrieved something from the table. As the woman turned back to her, Marinas breath caught. Illuminated by the moonlight, and softened by the fabric, Sadie was a vision. Her body was sculpted softly, and she moved with easy grace to straddle Marinas legs once more.

As Marina started to sit up, Sadie put a hand gently, but firmly on her chest, and guided her once more to the pillows. Her other hand was poised stationary over Marinas stomach. A single drop fell from the ice cube and landed on Marinas belly. Marinas skin jumped at the sudden cold sensation. Sadie, intently locked on Marinas eyes, placed the ice cube in her mouth and bent down.

Marina cried out, completely mindblown at the simultaneous sensation of heat and cool swirling together as Sadie moved up and down her body, exploring every inch with her tongue and breath. Marina reached down and pulled Sadie up to her mouth, while her hand ran down the lean, muscular abdomen, searching and finding and caressing. Sadie gasped and rained down kisses. The two rocked together in a rhythmic dance that culminated in a mutual, shuddering crescendo. Lying together, their breathing, in harmony, steadied, and slowed and deepened.

Later, Sadie awoke and watched Marina’s chest rise and fall rhythmically. She closed her eyes in a prayer of thanksgiving and looked to the sky. She smiled when she saw the tail of a shooting star lighting an arc to the horizon.