Well take care of things, do what you have to do.

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

Marina turns towards her, uncertain of whats to come. But the moment has arrived, the moment that has been viewed and reviewed for endless hours through the night. What will she say to her; where will she begin and how will she get Jenny to let her say all that needs to be said? Marina breathes deeply as she approaches, Im sorry.

Marina, would you like to talk here or in your office or maybe somewhere else? no smile, no frown, no expression other than the question itself.

The girls will be arriving soon; maybe my office would be best. Unless, you would prefer that we leave?

Youre office is fine for the moment.

Okay, Marina nods and gestures to Jenny towards the office.

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

Never taking her eyes off Marina, she stands, slowly, looking deep within Marinas eyes. Doubts have begun to wash over her; Sarah is rearing her head in defiance. What do her eyes tell you Jenny? Is she sincere, or is she still on her conquest. Come on, dont you figure shes always the conqueror and never the conquered. This is probably nothing more than her need to win the battle.

Jenny glances downward and then swiftly towards the office. Stop it Sarah, I cant allow you to interfere this time. You must let me do this alone, please. Please Sarah, at least listen this time, and give her a chance to tell me what you didnt allow her to say before. You have to understand, the difference between you and I, Francesca and I. Its, its so different.

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

Jennys lack of response to Marinas words had silenced her thoughts. She watches Jenny as she moves towards the office and thoughts begin again; beautiful raven hair flowing after Jenny as if it was a veil floating softly against her shoulders. Tempting whomever gazes upon it to brush it aside and replace it with their touch. The touch of their hand, the touch of their lips, fulfilling their need to be in that place, that place the veil so proudly claims its own. How can this happen? How does this woman affect me as she does, taking my breath and replacing it with a desire so overwhelming so demanding with no intended effort whatsoever?

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

Jenny walks over to the chair opposite the desk and sits down. Marinas first thought is to sit at the chair behind the desk; it is where she usually sits. Instead, she sits in the chair directly beside Jenny, turning it slightly to face her more. She wants to allow Jenny to be comfortable, but equally she doesnt want the distance between them. Should she or Jenny be compelled to reach out to the other, she wants no barriers in their way.

What is the difference Marina?

Again, the lack of expression leaves Marina with only speculation about Jennys question and its intent. Marina looks at her with a puzzled look opening her mouth to speak but no words form.

Jenny raises her brows as she says, The difference between you and me… you and Francesca

Words begin to fill Marina thoughts. Francesca taught me how to make love to a woman. Francesca allows me to be free with my affection while she is away on her long trips. Francesca flowers me in expensive gifts upon her return. Francesca helped me build The Planet. Francesca owns The Planet and me.

I love you.

Jenny hears those words for a second time now. She listens. She waits, for Sarah. Shes not here. She has given Jenny what she asked. Im not sure what that means Marina. Not when you say it.

Marina hesitates, Why are you here, Jenny?

Because you left me a message, after you conveniently ended your date with Robin. Very dramatic Marina, I have to give credit for that one. Did you know Robin was coming to my house? Did you time it just right so she would be there when you called? What did you expect me to do exactly?

Jenny stop. Please. Last night, I realized something, something new and foreign to me. Something that took you to make me feel; the hurt, the hurt that I had caused so often in the past, was now my hurt. Robin asked me if I was trying to hurt you. You once asked me that same question. I didnt understand then. I do now.

Games, it all played like games. In games there are winners and there are losers. Losers are those who have been defeated; those who have a sustained a loss. When you left the house after the three of us had dinner, I thought you knew. I thought you had heard me tell you how much you mean to me. I thought you knew it would take time. Then, when I heard about you and Robin, I thought I had to win you over again.

But last night, Robin made me realize I was still playing games. I didnt want that. I didnt want there to be a winner and a loser. After she walked away, I realized there already was a loser, me. I felt so empty inside, so alone.

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

As they left Marinas office, Jenny glanced over to the table she had been sitting at early. There Sarah sat, watching her as she passed by, softly smiling.

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

Jenny approached the door, Marina opened it for her, brushing lightly against her. She looked into Jennys eyes. Jenny saw Marinas face go flush; reaching out, she places her hand gently on Marinas arm.

Well talk more, tomorrow. We both agree we need time; time to let this go where it will, where it should. Time to continue to grow our friendship.

Yes, was the only word she could utter. Marina leans into Jenny and kisses her cheek, goodbye.