Chapter nine

Gail awakened late, in Tannen's bed. Why she had chosen to sleep there was beyond her comprehension. It merely reminded her of their early morning hours together and of her own cowardice. Karen would never believe she actually said no to Tannen. On the other hand, there was no need to tell Tannen's accomplice anything.

She stared at the high ceiling. It was painted avocado. Gail followed a hairline crack from the edge of the light fixture to the left corner of the room. "You're in need of a little maintenance," she said. It points toward Connecticut. Gail pushed off the bed and headed to the bathroom.

After a hot shower, Gail found some of Tannen's clothes that fit reasonably well. Wearing jeans, a yellow blouse, and a blue cotton blazer, she looked into a full-length mirror. The jeans were short but Gail folded a cuff to them and they easily became a capri. She pushed the sleeves of the blazer to her elbows. It was an unusual look for Gail compared to her normally Bohemian look of long, flowing skirts and light, airy blouses, but she decided, "You look nice, Prescott."

She located some dental floss and a new toothbrush. After a spit and a rinse, she was grateful for a fresh mouth. Gail brushed out her hair, then rummaged through Tannen's makeup, which she applied quickly and conservatively. She looked into the mirror and decided to tie back her hair.

On Tannen's vanity were several perfumes, but no Clive Christian. At more than two thousand dollars an ounce, a second bottle was, she supposed, too frivolous a purchase even for Tannen. She opened a drawer to search for a hairclip. Gail spotted the Christian logo among bottles that bragged Prada, Gucci, and Armani labels.

Gail opened the box. There lay the lethally mind-numbing potion, housed in a lead crystal bottle. The stopper was supposedly fashioned from an original design preferred by Queen Victoria, and the 24-karat gold-plated neck boasted a brilliant-cut diamond solitaire.

"Unbelievable. It's almost vulgar." She replaced the bottle without daring to open it. She knew Tannen would linger too closely for her to enjoy her day.

She brushed her hair a second time, and decided to leave it loose. Gail stepped in front of the mirror again. "Now you look great!"

She didn't bother to explore Tannen's brownstone. Gail shoved her cell phone, keys, and wallet into a leather handbag she borrowed from Tannen. She bounded down the steps and walked East on Bethune, noting that the flower boxes needed attention. She was tempted to stop and do some deadheading, but she continued her course to Fourteenth street.

At the corner of Fourteenth Street and Sixth Avenue, Gail observed hoards of pedestrians while they shuffled across the streets. Whether to lunch or a gym, their pace was the same. She looked overhead into a cloudless sky that matched the blue of her borrowed blazer.

Among skyscrapers and concrete, Gail felt a sense of elation and liberation from Tannen. She appreciated the honking of impatient motorists, and the occasional "move yer fuckin' ass" from the cabbies. The stench of burned pretzels collided with the scents of spring air and roasted peanuts. Bombarded from countless directions, her brain welcomed the stimuli. Without the luminous shadow of Tannen Albright, Gail felt less vulnerable.

There was a man dressed in tattered clothing, hunkered against the subway railing. He scratched the top of a dachshund's head and mumbled something unintelligible to the dog, or to himself. Gail purchased three bananas, some roasted peanuts, three bottles of water, and three oranges. She handed the bag of food to the homeless man. She then reached into her jacket pocket and handed him her cigarettes and lighter.

"Thank you, ma'am," he said.

Gail nodded. She stood motionless, staring at the longhaired, bearded man. She watched while he opened a bottle of the water and poured it into his hand. He extended his hand to the dog, and the pooch drank gratefully. Her guess was the man was in his fifties, and she could only speculate how he ended up on the streets. Gail wondered if she might have been the first person to notice him and the dog today. She crouched down and scratched the dog's back.

"What's your name?" Gail ran her hand the length of the stubby-legged dachshund.

"I call him Hans," he answered quietly, avoiding Gail's eyes.

"I mean your name." She smiled when he looked at her with surprise.

"I'm Harry." He looked down at the concrete.

Gail looked around at the multitude of people and the lack of shelter, beyond that of a doorway. "Do you live out here?"

"I get into a shelter sometimes. They're crowded." He turned away from Gail and wiped his nose on his sleeve. "Nice weather now. Not much need for a shelter."

"Do you need anything, Harry?"

"Nope."

"You sure? A blanket? Smokes? Money? Maybe Hans needs something, Harry?" The pooch rolled over and Gail scratched his belly.

"Nope. Thanks." He looked across the street to a pet store. "Maybe a chew bone for Hans."

Gail stood. She was impressed with the man who had and needed nothing, but was willing to humble himself for his canine companion.

"I'll be right back. Don't run off on me, Harry."

After jaywalking Fourteenth Street, Gail entered the pet shop. She purchased a small bag of beef flavored rawhide sticks for Hans and then she returned to Harry. Again, she crouched beside Harry and Hans. A haughty pedestrian, in total disregard for the people around him, knocked into Gail. Thrust belly-first onto Harry's lap, she landed with an audible oof.

"You okay?" Harry helped Gail to sit up.

"Yeah."

Harry quickly jumped to his feet and shouted. "Hey, you ignorant bastard!" He started after the pedestrian, but Gail grabbed the end of his jacket. She sat on the concrete and shared his railing.

"Let him go, Harry. Sit with me." Harry joined Gail at the railing. She handed him the bag of dog treats. "I think he'll like these."

"No doubt. Thank you." He opened the package and pulled one out. The dachshund's spindly tail wagged feverishly. He snatched the treat from Harry's hand and dropped to his belly. With the rawhide braced between his paws, he chewed in silence. "He likes them."

Gail watched Hans. "Why are you out here, Harry?"

"I lost my job two years ago. Cutbacks and all. I was a chef for Le Sous. I looked for work until my money ran out. I gave up."

"It's the way of business. Let's just make a buck."

Harry nodded and shrugged. "Shi...stu...things happen."

"Here." Gail reached into her pocket and pulled out a wad of paper money. "If you need something, use this."

Harry held up his left hand, and Gail noticed a large scar that crossed his thumb. The irregularity in his thumbnail told of a deep cut, straight through the nail. The scar was appropriate for a man who worked as a chef. "That isn't necessary, ma'am."

"My name is Gail, and I want you to take the money. Hans might go through those chew bones pretty quickly." She winked at Harry and placed the money in his jacket pocket. "I liked meeting you, but I have to leave. You take care of Hans, Harry." Gail stood and brushed the loose dirt from her jeans.

"Bye," he said.

Gail crossed Fourteenth Street and headed briskly toward Madison Avenue. After six streets, she opened her phone and hit Karen's speed dial number.

"Hi, Karen." She heard Karen's workout music in the background.

"How are you? Where are you?" Karen sounded breathless. "I've been trying to reach you at home."

"I'm pissed off at you and I'm in Manhattan."

"Why are you in the city?"

"I'll explain that later. Why didn't you tell me Tannen is bisexual?"

"I know she was involved with a woman, a few years back. If once constitutes bisexuality, then I guess she is."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Gail watched the concrete pass under her feet. She waved at an unseen female who called hello to her.

"She asked me not to tell you. I didn't think that would harm you in any way."

"Tannen manipulated me and you sent her on her merry way, with your blessing. I don't get tickled pink when people play with my emotions!"

"Tannen isn't playing games with you, Gail. She's in love with you."

"Yeah, well...aw shit, Karen. Life was good. I was serenely independent!" Realizing where her words were taking her, Gail shouted, "I'm doing a Henry Higgins over that dame!" She shook her head, disgusted with herself.

"Maybe you should buy yourself a pair of slippers."

Gail snapped her phone closed. It immediately rang and Karen blasted her.

"I hate when you hang up on me! Stop being a child!" Karen's workout music suddenly stopped. "I would never do anything to hurt you. If I thought Tannen was, I would have stopped her."

"You could have told me, Karen."

"What difference would it have made?" Karen waited and Gail could picture her, standing in her workout clothes, sweaty, her green eyes vectored toward Gail's position. "Well? Come on, Gail. Tell me how it would have mattered." Gail remained mute. "It wouldn't have made a difference. Frankly, I think one day you'll thank me. Go and be loved. Love her back. This won't kill you."

Feeling wounded, Gail said, "You know why I can't do that."

"Yes, I do." Karen cleared her throat. "Honey, maybe it's time to bring some closure to Olivia. Talk to Jeff. He-"

"No." Gail turned right, onto Twenty-third. There she crossed to Madison Avenue and hastened her pace up the avenue.

Karen mellowed. "How did last night go for you and Tannen?"

"We talked."

"Talked?"

"Yes, Karen. We talked."

"Nothing more?"

"A little."

"What does that mean?"

"It really isn't any of your business!"

"It means you shut down your emotions."

Gail let out a weary breath. "Whatever you say."

"Are you okay?"

"No! I'm pissed off at everyone that means anything to me. The whole world can go to hell, for all I care. I'm about to meet a friend at Tally's." She stepped inside the restaurant. "I'm there now. I have to go."

"I love you, too, honey. Have fun."

Gail closed her phone and Joey greeted her.

"Well, hello, stranger! Where have you been?"

"Oh, you know, out chasing rainbows."

"I know all about rainbows." He looked around the room. "Are you meeting someone, Gail?"

"No." She looked over at the bar. "I want to see Jordann. Is she here?"

"She's in the office. Just knock."

"I won't disturb her. I'll wait at the bar."

"Oh, come on." Joey knocked and opened the door. "One very lovely writer to see you," he said. Jordann looked up from her phone. She waved Gail inside and pointed to the leather chair across from her desk.

Gail had been in the room a few years back. A patron had become drunk and disorderly. He threw a chair Gail's way and Jordann's father, the owner of Talley's, escorted Gail to the room, out of harm's way. The room was paneled then, and very masculine. Now the room was a warm terracotta tone, the hardwood floor sanded and refinished. Overhead, Gail heard the pounding of nails and buzzing of circular saws.

Jordann covered the mouthpiece and spoke to Gail. "I'll be finished shortly."

Gail felt her stomach rumbling.

"Yes, that's right. Tomorrow," Jordann said. "Good-bye." She hung up and smiled. "What a nice surprise. Sorry about the noise. I'm getting an apartment suitable for renting. I'm about to have lunch. Are you hungry?"

"I'm famished."

Jordann picked up the phone and called the kitchen.

"Send in two BLTs..."

"I'm allergic to pork," Gail said and Jordann hesitated. "Just kidding."

"...with extra B, and a pitcher of iced tea. Thanks, Lou." She hung up. "I finally get to breathe. Are you looking for a job, lady?"

"Are there openings?" Gail crossed her legs and adjusted her collar in hopes of appearing suave to Jordann.

"I need a new chef very soon."

"How's the pay?"

"I think I can muster twenty-five to start, medical, dental, a meal, and beverage of your choice."

"Dessert?"

"Nope." Jordann sat back in her chair and laced her fingers behind her head. "Are you in?"

Gail shook her head. "I'm a holdout for dessert."

"Can't do it."

"Then I'll have my lunch and be on my way."

"All right! You drive a hard bargain." Jordann wiped imaginary sweat from her brow. "You get dessert."

Gail narrowed her eyes. "Saturdays and Sundays off?"

"Are you nuts?"

"Some would think that, Jordann." Gail nodded. "Some would think that."

"So I've heard."

Joey entered with a tray of food, plus a cappuccino for Gail. He poured the iced tea.

"Jordann, give a yell when you're finished." He closed the door behind him.

"Your father is keeping you busy these days." Gail grabbed half of her sandwich and began eating. "Mmm. Wow," she said with a mouthful. "Great bacon. Why have I never had your bacon before this?"

"Because you pick at your food and drink gallons of cappuccino when you come in," Jordann said. "Dad retired about a month ago and I bought the business."

Gail swallowed and took a drink of iced tea. "Talley's is yours? That's terrific."

"It's a headache, but I love it. I still tend bar when I have the time. Are you in town to see your publisher?" She bit into her BLT.

"Nope. I'm here to see you."

"Really?" Wide-eyed, Jordann wiped her mouth with a napkin. "I'm riveted. Tell me more."

"I'll be in town overnight and I'd like to spend some time with you."

"A date?"

"Whatever you prefer to call it. You've shown interest more than once."

"I was interested. I am interested." She swiveled toward the table to her left, grabbed a local paper, turned a few pages, and swiveled back. Jordann folded the paper in half and dropped it in front of Gail. She tapped a photo several times with one finger. "What about her?"

Jordann pointed to the picture on the right, of two women dancing. In a second picture, the women appeared to be arguing.

Gail glanced at the headline: GAILFORCEDTAILWINDSFORALBRIGHT?

"How clever we writers are."

"It's obviously Tannen. Is that you?"

"It is." Gail scanned the story with indifference. She knew what happened and felt no need to defend their evening from the viewpoint of a third person.

"But you're here, asking me for a date?"

"Tannen is not my significant other, if that's what concerns you."

"You didn't send her scurrying back to her fish and chips, then?"

"London has nothing to do with me."

Jordann nodded in acknowledgment. She sat quietly, swiveled back and forth in her chair, and then said, "The word out there is you were once a player."

"I've had my moments." She smiled. Gail got up from her chair and walked to the back of the desk. Jordann swiveled her chair to face Gail.

"You talk too much." She placed her feet between Jordann's. Gail separated Jordann's knees with a kick to each foot. Jordann lifted her right foot, and Gail pulled off the sandal. She dropped it to the side of the chair. Gail removed the second sandal and tossed it with the first.

Jordann pushed up from her chair and eased around Gail. She locked the door and walked back to the desk. Jordann ogled her while Gail removed the blazer.

"You're so fuckable Joey would bed you." She dialed the kitchen phone. "I'm taking no calls or interruptions for an hour."

She turned to Gail and unbuttoned the yellow blouse. Gail dropped the blazer onto the desk. Jordann's fingers traced the low scalloping of Gail's borrowed bra, and then she removed Gail's blouse. "Nice." She opened the front clasp of the bra and slid the straps over her shoulders. "Very nice."

"Let's see if I agree."

Gail reached for Jordann's belt and opened it quickly. When she felt for the zipper and buckle on her jeans, Jordann stopped her.

"Do exactly as I say." Jordann placed Gail's hands to her sides.

It was precisely what Gail wanted to hear, and she anticipated a no-strings-get-laid-beyond-all-recognition sixty minutes. Bring it on. It had been much too long. Four months? It had become nearly painful, not enjoying the fulfilling and exciting touch of another woman. Or touching one. Vibrating latex didn't qualify as exciting or fulfilling.

Jordann picked up the phone and turned her back. She talked quietly and Gail strained to hear but couldn't. Jordann hung up and turned back to Gail. She pointed to a comforter on the sofa.

"Take that and spread it on the floor."

Puzzled, Gail obliged while someone knocked on the door.

"Lie on your stomach," Jordann said and opened the door.

"This isn't..." Gail became suspicious, half expecting to see Joey walk through the door. Her interest was not in sharing herself, or Jordann, with a young male.

"My rules!" Jordann said.

Too many damn rules these days. Whatever. Gail smiled internally. I'm about to get laid. Gail grabbed Tannen's leather handbag and used it as a makeshift pillow. After fifteen minutes, Gail felt as though there were no more grunts or groans to expel.

"I don't believe I let you get away with this." She found another grunt. "Oh my God, this feels good. Why didn't we do this sooner?"

"Do you want more?"

"Yes. Don't stop. Go a little higher and to the left. Yeah, ohh...that works. Harder." Gail growled playfully. "Oh yeah." She found more groans. "You are so good at this."

Gail felt a chill on her back when Jordann removed the cold towel. Another wet, hot towel quickly replaced it. The massage continued with Gail's arms. Jordann's fingers dug deeply into Gail's biceps.

"You're incredibly tense, Gail. I saw it the moment you entered my office."

"You're a goddess," Gail murmured sleepily.

"Yes, I am," Jordann said, and worked her way to Gail's fingers.

"I'm an idiot," Gail said emphatically.

"What makes you say that?"

She massaged Gail's hands, first the palms and then slowly her fingers. Gail shifted her head and looked at Jordann.

"You know why I came here."

"Yes, I do." She began to massage Gail's scalp, to additional groans of pleasure. "If I hadn't seen the article about you and Tannen, I suspect I would have my face in your lap about now. Happily, I should add. Now who's the idiot?"

Gail groaned when Jordann's fingers dug into her neck muscles. "I must be getting old. I'm enjoying this much more."

"Want me to do your legs?"

"Jesus, no. I won't have the strength to get off the floor. I feel like a wet noodle already." Jordann straddled Gail's hips and put all of her strength into Gail's shoulders. Gail let out powerful grunts as Jordann worked her way down the spine. "Will you come home with me?"

"Hmm. What would Tannen think of that?" Jordann peeled the wet towel from Gail's back and placed it back into the pitcher. She sat on the floor next to Gail.

Gail ignored the question and rolled to her back, hoping to entice her masseuse. Jordann looked directly to Gail's breasts and then into her eyes. Gail took Jordann's hand and pulled her down.

"Come on. Don't you want to know if I'm as good as the characters I write?"

Jordann let out a hard breath and shook her head. "Good God! I'm practicing great restraint." She pulled Gail's blouse over her breasts. "A wise woman once told me it's good to want for something."

"I'll never get laid while Tannen is around." Gail released Jordann's hand.

"Not by me. So what's the deal with her? You may have had nothing to do with London, but obviously something is happening with you and Tannen."

"I'd rather not talk about that." She reached for her bra, but Jordann snatched it away.

"No bra."

Gail whined. "Are you sure you don't want to?"

Jordann pushed Gail's blouse aside. She leaned over, kissed Gail's breast, and covered it again.

"I'd kill myself the minute you left if I didn't do at least that. Believe me, Gail. I'd love to have you."

"And I'm damned because of Tannen."

"Then you two are an item after all?"

"Truthfully, I'd say no." Gail sat up, holding her blouse to her. "It's more of a wannabe situation."

"For whom?"

Gail winced at the stinging question. "Like I said, you talk too much."

"Well, if the other wannabe is ever outta there, let me know. I'm your official no-strings rebound." Gail reached again for her bra but Jordann kept it away. "I'll keep this. Maybe one day you'll come back for it."

Gail pulled her blouse on, and Jordann buttoned it for her.

"I was right. I'm a total idiot." Gail pulled Tannen's blazer on and flipped her hair from under the collar.

"No, you aren't. You knew months ago that I want to sleep with you. I still do..."

"But not with...yeah, yeah. I get the message." Gail gave her a hug. "Thanks for lunch and that great massage. You should do it for a living."

"It was my pleasure. I hope you feel as wonderful as you look."

"I feel like I need a nap." She kissed Jordann lightly. "Thank you. Now listen. Next week, a friend is having a birthday bash for me and I'd like you to attend." She took a paper and pen from Jordann's desk and wrote the address.

"Sounds like fun. I'll try to make it."

Back at Tannen's apartment, Gail found an album of photos. Most pictures were of Tannen and David together. They were handsome as a couple. David was blond and blue-eyed, a bit unshaven, and that seemed to go with his longhaired, theatrical look. Tannen wore long hair in some pictures, very short cuts in others. She wondered how Tannen looked in the mornings when she first raised her head from her pillow. Tannen always appeared "presentable" at Gail's house, never bed head. Gail wanted to see bed head.

"Who am I kidding? I want to be the cause of it." She closed the book and placed it on an end table.

On Tannen's wall was a framed photograph of David and a handwritten poem. She read it aloud:

Could I but give you comfort in my death,

How might I tell you what you meant to me?

All I did, both night and day, was love you,

Ruler of my kingdom and my heart.

Like God, at last you claimed my painful breath,

Opening the door to mystery,

The final gift of all the gifts you gave me,

Taking what I could no longer give you

Even if I tried with all my art.

Gail touched the photo of David.

"The poem is beautiful. It's soothing. She loved you very much." Gail removed the photograph and sat on a leather chair. She held the tribute on her lap. Quietly, she repeated the lines: "The final gift of all the gifts you gave me, Taking what I could no longer give you." She pondered the statement. "Does it mean she's living for both of you? There's a lot of sadness in her eyes, and voice, when she talks about you. Tannen made me cry a few times and, looking at your picture now, I almost feel I know you."

Gail looked around at the many film awards.

"I want you to know Tannen is very famous, and well respected. She said she owes it all to you. She also said your shoes are very hard to fill." She paused. "But you already know these things, don't you, David?"

Why am I talking to a photograph? Is it to feel closer to Tannen? I'm thrown wholly into Tannen's belongings. She trusts me with everything.

She was free to browse, and free to talk to David's likeness, if she chose. Gail supposed that it simply made her ridiculous. Gail also felt relief with their distance. She wasn't questioned, nor was she under pressure. There was time to think, or not to think.

The apartment phone rang. Gail waited for the machine to answer.

"Are you there, darling?"

Gail felt the twinge in her stomach. She grabbed the phone, fumbled, and recovered it. "I'm here, Tannen."

"Hello, writer lady," Tannen said softly. "It's comforting to hear your voice."

"Hello, actor lady. How's Mum?" She sat on the piano bench and placed the photograph on the top.

"The doctors performed an emergency bypass to her heart. She came through well and is resting."

"That's good to hear."

"I'll stay on for a few days. I'm sorry, darling, but I'll miss your birthday."

"I understand. Is there anything I can do for you while I'm here?"

"No, but stay as long as you like. It may be convenient if your publisher needs you."

"I'll be leaving tomorrow morning."

Tannen sighed. "I'm tired. It's been an awfully long twenty-four hours."

"If I were there, I'd tuck you into a cuddly bed and read to you until you fell asleep."

"You wouldn't have to read for long. Would you read one of your novels?"

"I'd read The Great Gatsby."

"Good choice. I've never read the novel, but I enjoyed the Redford film."

Gail remembered her signed first edition of the Fitzgerald novel, which she had obtained through private auction. It could be a perfect gift for Tannen.

"Really? I found it too encapsulated. The viewer misses some of the best narrative ever written."

"Is this a masked plea to not film Tenfold?"

"No." Gail smiled. "Did you appreciate Gatsby's obsession with Daisy?"

"Absolutely. He was a man of strong conviction. Gatsby overcame many obstacles to get Daisy."

"But Gatsby failed to win Daisy. There's a bit of Gatsby in you, Ms. Albright."

"Darling, if Gatsby were to manifest, he would be a woman named Gail."

"I've been called worse."

"You've been trying to overcome obstacles for weeks. One day you'll realize you've won the woman. I wonder what will happen when you realize she has won you as well."

"You're very sure of yourself." She played a random set of keys on the upper register of the piano.

"It's essential, Gail. I understand the direction my life has taken. I'm very comfortable with you, and I will follow through wherever that leads us."

"Never one for mincing words, are you?"

"I won't play word games with you, darling. Affection is too critical to engage in innuendo."

"Do you think I'm playing games?"

"No. I think something or someone hurt you a long time ago, and you have never shed the anger or pain. You need to take care of it."

Gail sighed heavily. "Apparently everyone seems to know what I want and need." Do I have PLEASEDEFINEMYNEEDS emblazoned across my forehead? At the same time, Gail listened closely to Tannen. She felt her heart held by tender hands.

"Gail, I say that as a friend, not as a possible lover. I sense that you want something more than drifting from woman to woman. It doesn't have to be me." Tannen yawned and added, "That's not to say I wouldn't appreciate the opportunity."

Gail was thankful Tannen couldn't see her smiling. "I miss you."

"Changing the subject again, darling?"

"Of course, but I do miss you."

"I feel the same."

"I'm annoyed, though. You manipulated me and Karen allowed it."

"It wasn't with malice, Gail. I like to think of it as working around the way you work. I mean no harm to you, darling. At least no greater harm than to steal your heart."

Gail reached for David's photograph and then stretched out on the sofa.

"What is the poem beside David's picture?"

"He wrote the poem for me. I suspect he was foreshadowing. I found it in an envelope with my name, in his private papers." She was quiet for a moment. "Do you think it's poor taste, to display them?"

"No. You should feel honored. It's very moving and very loving."

"I thought so." Tannen said quietly. Gail heard how tired Tannen was. "Did you do anything fun today?"

"I met a homeless man and talked to him for a while. Then I managed a wonderful stroll to Talley's. I had lunch with Jordann and invited her to the party."

"Who is Jordann?"

"The woman tending bar on the day we met."

"Ah yes, the striking redhead. Perhaps it's best I won't be there."

"She's been invited to a celebration, not a fuck fest. I'd prefer your presence."

"For which, darling?"

After some hesitation, Gail answered. "Both."

"It's easy to say with an ocean between us." Tannen yawned. "You might run out on me again."

"Only if I'm feeling pressured."

"I have no need to pressure you, Gail. I know you love me. The rest is up to you."

Gail ignored Tannen's self-assured remark.

"Does it disturb you that Jordann will be there?"

"Knowing her interest to have a shag with you, of course it does, but you have no commitment to me. Actually, I could turn it into a mind-splitting fantasy."

Gail dropped David's photo to the floor. She wasn't settled from her near-sexual encounter with Jordann. She quickly undid her jeans and slid her hand down. Her fingers slipped easily between her still wet lips. She stifled a moan and opened her legs farther.

"Really?" She struggled for an indifferent tone. "Care to share your fantasy?" Gail stroked slowly. "I'm always looking for good narration. A fresh voice, a new approach-"

"Your breathing has changed, darling. It sounds like you're doing well on your own."

Gail stopped and removed her hand. She said nothing.

"Gail?"

"What?" she grumbled.

"I really must go." Tannen yawned again. "I'll fall asleep talking if I don't hang up now."

Gail quickly lifted her head from the pillow. "What? You catch me with my hand in my pants and you say nite nite?"

Tannen laughed a gentle belly laugh. "I didn't put your hand there."

"You damn well know you did. Weeks ago."

"Then I suggest you wait. I won't be here forever, darling. Good night from the Queendom."

Click.

"Damn it!"Gail flung the phone to the end of the sofa.

She rolled over and looked at the photo on the floor.

"She really pisses me off, David. Did I mention that tidbit? She's so 'bloody' sure of herself that I sometimes want to throw her into the pool." Gail chortled. "Ha! I taught her to swim. Isn't that convenient?" Gail rolled to her back again. "What am I going to do with this? I'm so screwed, David."

Long into the night, Gail talked to the photograph. She confessed her inner struggle of loving with Tannen. To relent to the feeling seemed blasphemous to her promise to Olivia. Gail had managed extremely well, sacrificing her heart for eighteen years.

"Then this woman, five inches shorter than me but larger than life, picked up her telephone and my life is altered. It hardly seems fair." She faced the photo again. She touched the frame. "What would you do, David? You'd throw her on the floor and shag her brains out." Gail rolled to her back. "I had that chance." She draped her arm across her eyes. "I miss her, David."

Дата добавления: 2015-08-27