Two Of A Kind

Chapter 16 – Bon Voyage

Things almost seemed like they were back to normal. The girls were sipping away at their morning espressos, cappuccinos and lattes at the Planet. Shane leaned back in her chair listening to Alice grilling Tina about some hot woman shed met at the Center. The others were practically glued to Tinas lips except for Bette who looked completely deflated. Shane felt rather sorry for her, but she was also glad that Tina was out there exploring other options and other people. If Tina and Bette were meant to be together, they would get past this and be a stronger couple. And if they werent then they were better off knowing sooner rather than later.

So you guys had dinner then what happened? Did she kiss you? Did you kiss her?. Alice was relentless. Dana was tugging at her sleeve trying to get her to back off having seen the look on Bettes face, but with Alice her inquisitive nature usually got the better of her common sense.

Hasnt anyone ever told you that a true lady never kisses and tells?. Alex grabbed a chair from a nearby table and placed it between Tina and Alice winking at Shane as she sat down. She just loved trying to bait Alice. Shane thought it was turning into a sport for Alex.

Does that mean youre not a lady?. Alex reached for Shanes muffin across the table earning her a slap from Shane and half a muffin.

Alice, I never said I was a lady. Alice snorted. Then suddenly her face lit up. Pointing excitedly to Shane, she said quite loudly,

What about her? She never kisses and tells. Does that make her a lady?. Alex cocked her head to the side and eyeballed Shane inquisitively.

Never?. Shane smirked. She had a feeling Alex was going somewhere with this and she wasnt sure she was going to like it. Alex turned her full attention to Alice.

If she never kisses and tells, then how come I know what kind of a kisser you are?. First Alice turned red. Then she glared at Shane.

I cant believe you told her!. Dana practically choked on her chocolate chip cookie.

You kissed Shane? You kissed Shane and didnt even tell me?. Alice wagged her finger at Shane.

This is all your fault. This earned her an angry glare from Shane who sat up straight and took hold of Alices wagging finger.

First of all, I never forced you to kiss me. Second of all, turning to Dana, this happened way before we even knew you existed. And third of all, I DONT kiss and tell, Shane gave Alex the evil eye who could barely contain her laughter at the ruckus that she was causing, not even to Alex, you dumbass. Alice looked at Alex the truth finally dawning on her.

You mean, you were just messing with me?. Alex nodded. Seeing the dumbfounded expression on Alices face all the girls erupted in laughter except for Alice who seemed lost for words.

But if you ever want to let me know what kind of a kisser you are, Alex said putting her arm around Alices shoulders, my lips are at your disposal, as are various other body parts. Tina and Shane looked at each other and thinking of various other body parts and Alices lips fell into another fit of giggles. Alex flinched as Danas hand whacked her upside the head. After the table had quieted down a little and Alice wasnt seeing as red as before, Dana took her hand and looked her in the eyes very seriously.

Can I ask you something Alice?. Alice looked at her girlfriend a little apprehensively. Dana couldnt really be upset, could she?

Ok.. Dana leaned in a little closer.

How was she?. Alex and Marina broke into laughter as they saw Alice going speechless for the second time that morning. Shane just shook her head at her friends. She was so amazed at the way Alex fit. With her. With her friends. She could barely picture her life before she had met Alex.

Bette got up to leave. She was glad Alex had shown up when she had. Partly because if Alex was around, there would definitely be some fun to be had. But mainly because she had been saved from listening to the details of Tinas evening with some hot woman.

Sorry, girls, but I have to go to work. See you tonight at the party. Tina got up as well.

Wait, Ill walk out with you. I have to go to work too. And with a wink she and Bette were out the door. Alice sighed watching them leave. It was too bad Bette had gone off and fucked the carpenter. She missed the days when it wasnt just Bette and just Tina, but Bette and Tina. Alex wrapped her arm around Alice and leaned in.

Knock it off, Piezsecki youre too young to have melancholic thoughts about the good old days. Alice looked at Alex first. Then she turned to Shane.

Youre right that is bloody annoying.

Dana and Alice hung around for a little while and then they too were off to meet with Danas parents who had been behaving a lot better after the near break up of Dana and Alice which they had felt really guilty about.

Alex, Shane and Marina spent the rest of the morning talking about their trip to Italy the next day and the bon voyage party Tina and Alice had planned for that evening.

****

The Welcome home, Marina banner over the bar had been replaced by a Bon Voyage banner. The place was as packed as it had been the day of Marinas return. She hadnt been too keen on a party. It felt too much like a goodbye forever party, she had confided in Shane and Alex. Alice and Tina had found out about Shane and Marinas impending trip to Italy and had insisted on throwing a party not realizing that this was not a vacation, but what Shane jokingly called the showdown. Finally Alex had managed to talk Marina into it claiming a good party was a good party no matter what the theme. Alex personal favorite had been the *****, I got fired party the day she quit the hospital. Shane had just nodded. If there was one thing shed learned about Alex and her friends, it was that they were a fun loving bunch and their fun loving ways had definitely been rubbing off on her.

Marina smiled as she took the drink from Angela. Having her girlfriend here definitely helped. Although Angela wasnt looking too pleased. She had pleaded with Marina not to go, but Marina had insisted that if she wanted to live a normal fairly carefree life, she would have to settle matters. In the end Angela had acquiesced, but not wholeheartedly.

She waved at Alex who waved back and walked over together with Shane, Dana and Alice.

Woohoo GREAT party, Alice yelled as she slapped Marina on the back. Shed already had a couple of shooters and was definitely starting to feel the buzz.

How about another round?, and Alice was off getting them some more drinks. Crashing into Tina and Bette in the process. They all laughed until Alex and Angela suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure near the entrance.

Oh *****!, they both exclaimed at the exact same time. Alex took Angel by the arm and pulled her over.

I thought you took care of her.

I did. Alex scoffed.

Yeah, obviously. A voice behind them startled them.

Hello, girls. Alex and Angela turned around.

Hi mom, they both chimed.

Well, arent you going to introduce me to your friends?. Alex shrugged and introduced their mom to all the girls. Marianne, their mother, gave Marina whom she had met several times, a big hug. When Alex introduced her to Shane, her look became pensive.

Ive met you before, havent I?. Shane nodded. She had met Alex mother the morning she had waltzed into Alex dining room telling them she had left her husband.

Yeah. Alex smiled as a mischievous thought crossed her mind. So far she and Shane had tried to avoid any big questions about their relationship. They were just taking things one day at a time. Maybe it was about time to change this. She really wanted Shane to know how she felt before she flew off to Italy.

Mom Shanes my girlfriend. Shane looked at Alex in surprise. She broke into a big smile and Alex knew she had done the right thing.

Girlfriend?!, Alice exclaimed from behind them having finally arrived with all of their drinks. Does this mean you are finally in a relationship?. Alex leaned in and kissed Shane on the cheek.

Well, she has met my mother, and she winked at Shane. Marianne on the other hand looked completely baffled. She shook her head. She had long given up trying to understand her daughter. Alex had always had a weird sense of humor. At first Marianne had been worried about the things that came out of her brand new eleven-year old daughter, but she had soon realized that Alex was different from other kids. She had experienced a lot of things that no one, let alone a child, should have to go through. It had left her scarred, which saddened Marianne. She could only guess the extent of Alex pain, because whenever she tried to talk to her about it, Alex would just shrug and say that what didnt kill a person, made them stronger.

So mom, what brings you here?, Angela asked tentatively. Marianne just sighed and started ranting about their father and his workaholic ways. Before they knew it, they were all laughing so hard at Mariannes stories their drinks were sloshing all over the place.

****

Flight 2414 is now boarding at Gate 69. The voice over the intercom repeated itself. Alex, Shane, Marina and Angela were standing in the crowded airport lobby. Ice was standing a little to the side giving the couples some privacy. She had sent her employees ahead to take care of the hotel and to scope out the area in particular the estate of the Ferrers. She liked to be prepared for any eventualities. This included getting her employees to procure some weapons. As a bodyguard she was entitled to carry a weapon on board, but first of all this would probably alert Marinas family to her presence. Second of all, ever since the increase in terrorist attacks carrying a weapon on board a plane required filling out piles of paperwork. So Ice when going abroad, always got take away.

Shane gave Alex a big hug. Dont worry, everything will be fine. And Ill be back before you know it. Alex held on tight.

Im your girlfriend. Worrying about you is my job. Especially seeing Im unemployed, Alex quipped. Shane smiled. She liked the sound of that. Girlfriend.

If theres anything at all, I want you to call me and Ill be there. Ill always be there. Alex looked Shane in the eyes.

And you better come back soon, she paused for a moment and then whacked Shane on the arm, or Im gonna trade you in. Shane laughed and leaned forward kissing Alex passionately. Alex bit Shanes lower lip a little and she moaned feeling Alex hands disappearing under her shirt and caressing her back. She bit and kissed her way to Shanes earlobe and whispered,

Dont do anything without me that would make the mile high club proud, and reluctantly let go to find Marina and Angela watching them with a twinkle in their eyes.

Time to go, Ice piped up from behind them as the voice over the intercom told them about the final boarding call. They hugged each other one last time and Alex gave Ice the thumbs up and a wink. They watched their ladies walk away with their bodyguard. When Shane and Marina had disappeared from sight, Alex and Angela turned around and made their way to their gate where the company plane was waiting for them.

When they got there, Robin and Nicky were already waiting for them. As they took their seats, the pilot locked the doors and retreated into the cockpit. The engines fired up and they all relaxed in their chairs lost in their own thoughts as the plane took off. Alex hoped Marina and Shane never found out that they followed them to Florence. Because that would mean that everything would go all right and there would be no need for them to interfere. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldnt ignore the bad feeling she was getting

****

Previews

***** me, Shane exclaimed as she was led through the doors by Marina. The two bodyguards barely acknowledged her presence but nodded curtly to Marina. If Shane had thought the building from the outside looked impressive, the inside blew her away.

—–

Marina turned around and stood face to face with her brother Franco. Aw, *****, Shane thought.

—–

She looked up to see her siblings staring at her. Her brother Franco smiled at her encouragingly. Angelina and Paolo though looked as if they were about to murder her. This made complete sense to her, as she was well aware of her sisters hatred towards her.