Part 6 (conclusion!)

The time was just reaching one o’clock p.m. when Jack pulled up in front of Sonny’s apartment complex. The blonde had been thrilled to find that her friend drove less like a maniac on this return trip. She only had to remind Jack to slow down twice and both times the brunette had easily complied.

Though she was extremely glad to be home, Sonny already missed her family. Being the closest, it had taken Briana and she nearly ten minutes to finish saying their good-byes as they attempted to squeeze the life out of each other. Though the entire Campbell clan would not be getting together this coming Christmas, (Paul and Annette were going on a second honeymoon) Sonny and Briana had made plans for the younger sister to come visit while on winter break. That was something to look forward to.

Informed that it wasn’t necessary, Jack still escorted Sonny along with her belongings up to her apartment. Being invited inside, the brunette jumped at the chance, smiling as she entered the apartment and took a seat on the couch while Sonny went to fetch them something to drink. Noticing the November issue of Climax, the magazine which Laura worked for, Jack picked it up and began to leaf through it, stopping when she came to a page that sported a rather gorgeous yet professional picture of her ex-girlfriend Leslie. Grinning, she settled back on the couch and proceeded to read the two-page long article, thoroughly impressed with Laura’s writing as she carefully read.

By the time she had finished half a page, Sonny had returned with two tall glasses of slushy lemonade, which she had blended with ice in a blender that was rarely used. The blonde also set a plate of oatmeal cookies before them as she quietly waited for her friend to finish reading the article. Her eyes still glued to the magazine, Jack thanked the other woman for the snack as she reached out for a cookie, managing to easily swipe one from the plate without using her vision. Amused, Sonny washed down three cookies with nearly half a glass of lemonade before Jack was done reading.

Pointing at the article, Jack looked up at Sonny, remarking on how well done it was. A blonde head nodding, Sonny agreed. In her opinion, it had been one of Laura’s best articles that she had ever had the pleasure of reading.

“Isn’t it something how our ex’s hooked up?” Jack inquired in a casual conversational tone while reaching for another cookie.

Sonny nodded. “It definitely is. I think that Laura and Leslie make an adorable couple,” she earnestly replied. She wished them nothing but the best and sincerely hoped that Leslie was the one for Laura. Sonny had a feeling their relationship would be a strong and lasting one. 

“They absolutely do,” Jack agreed as she swallowed the remaining part of her cookie before regarding the other woman with a sly grin. “So, do you think that you and I could make an adorable couple Sonny girl? Personally, I think so.”

Though she rolled her eyes, there was a slight smile on the blonde’s lips. “You don’t give up easily, do you Jack?”

Jack shook her head. “Giving up is not in my vocabulary. I mean I didn’t become the ex-Conqueror by giving up.” She grinned as she glanced at her watch. “Ooh, I’ve gotta get moving. Chloe’s friends were supposed to have her home by early afternoon and I’m anxious to see her.” Looking at Sonny, the brunette noticed a bright smile on her face and inquired about it.

“It’s just so sweet how you are about your sister. I can tell that you’re real excited about seeing her and it’s only been a couple of days.” Arising from the couch, Sonny began to walk her friend to the door.

Jack shrugged, wearing a faint smile. “What can I say? I love the little rugrat.” Her smile turning into a full-fledged grin, she opened the front door, already missing the younger woman standing less than a foot away from her. Wordlessly, she wrapped her arms around Sonny, pleased when she was quickly embraced. Neither said anything as they stood in each other’s arms for a good fifteen seconds before parting. “I really had a great time this weekend Sonny. Your family is incredible. Thank you for inviting me.”

Reaching up, Sonny gave Jack’s arm a brief squeeze as she smiled. “Thank you for coming. It was wonderful having you there.” Her smile broadened as she added, “And I think my family has unofficially adopted you. They really fell in love with you."

“Hm, that means that I have one Campbell to go and my mission is complete.” Jack wiggled her eyebrows up and down as Sonny lightly chuckled. Though she was anxious to see her sister, Jack’s feet refused to budge. An idea suddenly forming in her mind, she asked, “Hey, why don’t you and Isaac meet Chloe and I for dinner sometime this week? Maybe Tuesday?” She would have suggested tomorrow night, but she didn’t want to seem too enthusiastic to see the love of her life again. Damn, she’s like a drug and I’m an addict who’s finding it difficult to go too long without having another hit.

Sonny smiled, liking that idea very much. “Excellent. Where do you want to go?”

“I’ll have to get back to you on that. Can I call you tonight?”

The blonde shrugged. “I don’t know. Can you?”

Smirking, Jack leaned down and stole a quick kiss, instantly wishing that it could have been longer. Barely looking into startled green eyes, she replied, “I’ll call you later. Be waiting by the phone.” With a wink and grin the ex-Conqueror flew down the stairs.

~~~~~~~~~~

After spending some time with her brother, eating pizza and watching a couple of movies they rented from the video store, Sonny excused herself for the evening. Taking a quick shower, the young woman slipped into a pair of boxers and a T-shirt before saying her prayers and slipping between the covers. Glancing at the clock, she saw that it was almost ten thirty and decided to read for a little while before going to sleep. Just as she opened her novel to the page where she left off, the phone began to ring. Reaching over, Sonny grabbed the phone as she placed her book on the bed.

“Hello?”

“What are you wearing?” a low sexy voice inquired, which Sonny instantly recognized as belonging to Jack. She grinned, deciding to play along for at least a moment or two.

“Nothing but a smile,” Sonny replied in a breathless voice. She heard her friend chuckle and smiled into the phone.

“Where are you?” The low sexy voice was still in place.

Sitting up in the bed, Sonny propped a couple of pillows against the headboard before pressing back into them. “Where should I be at 10:30 at night when I have to go to work the next morning? In bed of course.”

“So…you’re naked and laying in bed. Wish I could be there right now. I bet you look good enough to eat.”

Hearing a long moan, Sonny started to squirm on the cool sheets as she felt the beginning of a familiar dampness between her legs. It was time to stop this sensuous yet dangerous game before things got out of hand. Lightly clearing her throat, Sonny touched her flushed cheek as she asked, “What’s the matter? You didn’t have enough dinner?”

Jack chuckled again. “Yes, but there’s always room for dessert. And speaking of food, that was my original reason for calling. Sorry it took so long. After I arrived home, I had to take care of one thing after another and time just got away from me.”

Grabbing her novel, Sonny began to absently thumb through the pages. “It’s fine Jack. I wasn’t asleep anyway. So, have you decided where we’re going?”

“How does Italian grab you? There’s this fantastic little place that Chloe and I often go to on Evergreen Street. I tell you that their four cheese lasagna is truly out of this world.”

“Yummy. Italian grabs me just fine.”

There was a slight pause before Jack asked, “And may I grab you too?”

Although it couldn’t be seen, Sonny rolled her eyes. “You’re incorrigible.”

Jack grinned. “Yeah, that’s true. Though, I think it only adds to my charm. Wouldn’t you agree Sonny girl?”

The blonde laughed. “Definitely Jack. Definitely.”

“May I ask you a question?”

“You just did but feel free to ask another.”

“Are you really naked?”

~~~~~~~~~~

Just as she finished up with Pamela, who was a regular Thursday customer, a co-worker informed Sonny that she had a call. Ending her conversation with Pamela and telling her that she would see her next week, the blonde washed the oil off her hands before heading into the break room where the phone was. Bringing the phone to her ear, she pressed the correct button on the third try before uttering an exasperated hello.

“Hey there. Are you okay?”

Instantly knowing whom the caller was, Sonny smiled. “Yes, I’m fine. I just always have trouble getting this phone to work properly. It looks like a switchboard.” When Jack chuckled so did she. “So what’s up? By the way, Isaac said to tell you again that he enjoyed our dinner date the other night. So did I. It was fun.”

Smiling, the brunette replied, “Yes, it was. We’ll have to do it again sometime. Now, I was wondering if you would be interested in having lunch with me today."

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Sonny saw that it was almost twelve, which meant she had about an hour before her lunch break started. “Sure. That would be nice. My lunch break is at one. Could you meet me somewhere near here?”

“Don’t they have a restaurant at the resort? We could eat there if you like.”

“That’s perfect. I get an employee discount there. So I’ll see you at one?” Looking up, Sonny waved and smiled as she saw her twelve o’clock appointment walking by.

“Can’t wait. See you soon.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Aiming her fork at Sonny’s Caesar salad, Jack speared a bit of lettuce and a rather plump piece of chicken. Depositing it into her mouth, she munched happily, smiling sweetly at the smirk directed toward her.

“Are you enjoying my food?” Sonny asked good-naturedly.

Running her tongue along her upper lip, the brunette didn’t miss the look of desire that quickly passed across Sonny’s face. While a grin tugged at her mouth, Jack nodded. “Yes, your food is very good.” She offered her friend some of her hamburger, but the blonde shook her head deciding to just stick with her chicken salad. Taking a big bite out of her double meat hamburger with one hand, Jack attempted to steal another piece of chicken with the other but retracted her fork when a soft palm gently slapped her away. Sticking her bottom lip out, Jack pretended to pout. Sonny laughed.

“Why didn’t you just get a salad to go along with your greasy burger and fries?”

Jack snorted. “Like you don’t ever enjoy a greasy burger. I don’t know why you just got a salad for lunch.” The brunette glanced around the female laden restaurant before returning her attention to her companion. “Who are you trying to impress?”

Sonny smirked. “I’m not trying to impress anyone.” She pointed her fork accusingly at the other woman, though there was a hint of a smile on her face. “Because of you and my calorie loving family I’ve gained two pounds in the last week.”

Looking pleased with this information, Jack replied, “Good. We were saying that you needed to gain weight. You had been losing remember.” Concerned blue eyes trailed up and down Sonny’s body. “You could stand to gain a few more pounds too. I mean you look great but a few more pounds wouldn’t hurt.”

Touched, Sonny reached over and briefly squeezed Jack’s hand. “Thank you for caring and I am trying to gain, I just don’t think eating high calorie food is the way to make it happen. It’s not nutritious.”

“So after two servings of lasagna from Tuesday and a couple of fried chicken breasts last night, today you’re making a change in your eating habits?” Jack laughed when she had a tongue stuck out at her in reply.

“Hey, was it my fault that you brought Kentucky Fried Chicken over? It would have been impolite for me to decline eating it.”

The brunette chuckled. “So you sacrificed for me, eh?” At the other woman’s eager nod, she chuckled even more. “You’re so cute Sonny girl.” Jack smiled as her statement earned her a blush. “You know, I had a particular reason for wanting to see you today.”

“Really? And what reason is this?”

While dipping a french fry in a puddle of ketchup, Jack replied, “I wanted to talk with you about Blue.” Detecting a low groan from her friend, the brunette smiled as she quickly ate and swallowed the fry. “Now, now. I just wanted to find out what you know about her. I mean, this woman could be a psycho for all you know.”

“She’s not a psycho.”

“Oh, yeah? How do you know? You’ve never met her. Just because you’ve spoken on the phone with her a handful of times that doesn’t guarantee that she isn’t some masked murderer.” When Sonny rolled her eyes, Jack added, “Well she very well could be.”

“For that matter so could you.”

“Me?” Jack pointed to herself, her blue eyes wide with shock. “You know me. I couldn’t hurt a fly!” She paused. “Well…actually I could but that’s different.”

A blonde head shook. “Nope, for all I know you could have five bodies buried in that mansion of yours.”

Jack smirked. “Oh, please. Do I look like a murderer to you?”

“They do say that appearances can be deceiving.”

“Whatever.” Jack rolled her eyes as she picked up her drink and took a long swallow. “Okay, perhaps she’s not psycho. All I’m trying to say is that you should be careful. People should take caution when forming relationships with others over the Internet because some of them turn out to be dangerous and I don’t want you getting hurt. I care about you too much Sonny girl.” Jack attempted to put on her best innocent and concerned look.

A soft smile forming, Sonny quietly replied, “Jack, thank you but I feel completely and utterly safe where Blue is concerned. I know that I can trust her. I feel it deep inside. She would never hurt me on purpose. She loves me,” Sonny softly added while thinking of the Southern woman whom she so desperately wanted to meet. Perhaps the next time they spoke she would bring it up.

Jack inwardly sighed. Thus far, she wasn’t doing a good job of making Sonny’s faith in her Internet identity waver. A thoughtful look appeared on her face as she wondered how she could successfully get rid of herself. Originally, Jack didn’t think that this would be so difficult but Sonny was remaining as tenacious as a dog with a T-bone steak.

Okay, let’s try a different angle. “Her screen name is Blueyez right?” Remaining quiet, the blonde merely nodded while wondering where Jack could possibly be headed with this. “So what does that tell you about her?”

“That her eyes are blue.” Jack received an expression that plainly said duh.

Ignoring the look, Jack slowly nodded. “It very well could be, but you’re looking at the obvious Sonny girl. Let’s dig deeper. Blue means what? Besides being the color, it symbolizes gloom and depression. So…Dixie is it?”

Sitting back in her chair, Sonny folded her arms across her chest. “Uh huh.”

“Okay Dixie chose the screen name of Blueyez, which could mean that she’s often feeling blue and you could tell that by her eyes. Now they may or may not be blue but she is.” Jack grinned, looking pleased with her explanation. There was quite a long pause as Sonny merely stared at her with an unreadable expression.

“Are you on medication?” the blonde finally inquired, breaking the silence.

Undeterred, Jack continued grinning as she retorted, “Nope, but your Southern belle might be since she’s suffering from depression. Probably Prozac or something like that.”

“Since when did you have a Ph.D.?” Not giving the other woman a chance to answer, Sonny continued. “And even if you did, how could you diagnose someone without ever having met or spoken with them? Jack, I know you mean well,” pausing, Sonny’s brow furrowed. “At least I hope you mean well, but you really need to stay out of my personal business. You have your own life. Live it.” Glancing at her watch, Sonny muttered something about having to get back to work. Standing, she started to reach into her pocket for her wallet when Jack insisted that she was paying for lunch. Thanking her brusquely, Sonny headed out of the restaurant, ignoring when Jack called her name numerous times.

Hurriedly slapping a fifty-dollar bill on the table (most of which was the tip), Jack raced out of the restaurant to catch up with her perturbed friend. Minutes later, she found Sonny sitting on a bench at the entrance to a vast garden. Asking if she could sit down, Jack received a small nod in reply. Sitting, the brunette stretched her arms along the back of the bench before she stared up at the blue sky while gathering her thoughts. Blue eyes moving to rest on an upset blonde, Jack quietly apologized. Shrugging, Sonny didn’t offer a comment. Bringing her right arm down, Jack slowly inched her hand toward Sonny’s as though she was afraid that the younger woman would pull away. She was delighted when the blonde allowed her to hold her hand. After giving it a quick squeeze, Jack watched as green eyes fell upon her.

“Jack, I know how you feel about me, but you must realize that you and I aren’t going to be together. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can move on. I can only offer you my friendship. You have to accept that I’m going to be with Dixie,” Sonny gently finished.

The brunette smiled at her. “If that’s what you want. I only want your happiness Sonny girl.” Turning her head away from Sonny, Jack rolled her eyes heavenward. Oh, what a great big mess I’ve created!

~~~~~~~~~~

Later that evening, Sonny sat at her computer staring at the nearly blank email before her. For the last ten minutes she had been trying to devise a short letter to Blue, but hadn’t gotten past the salutation. Though deep in thought, Sonny managed to catch a whiff of pleasant cologne. Looking around, she spotted Isaac primping in front of a small mirror hanging from the wall. He was wearing a three-piece suit, of which his sister was sure one of his many lady friends had purchased for him. Swiveling around in her chair, she asked Isaac where he was going with an amused smile on her face. Sonny knew that it wouldn’t be long before her brother dived back into the dating pool.

Glancing over his shoulder at her, he grinned, “I’ve got a date.” Turning back to the mirror, Isaac continued fussing with his tie until he was satisfied with the way it looked.

“A hot one?”

Isaac’s grin widened considerably. “Oh, it’s absolutely sizzling!”

Chuckling, Sonny swiveled back around to face her computer screen. “I hope you have a great time. Just don’t get into any trouble.”

“Nah, Sarah will keep me in line.” Turning, Isaac started to head back on the bedroom for his wallet when his sister suddenly appeared before him. Blinking, he wondered how she got there so quickly.

“Wh…what did you just say?” Sonny asked, green eyes filled with both anxiousness and surprise. Surely, Isaac hadn’t meant that he was going out with her Sarah did he? Sarah was quite a common name so it had to be someone else. She frowned. For his sake, it better be another woman.

“I said that Sarah will keep me in line,” Isaac repeated as he attempted to get around his sister. However, like a wall she wasn’t budging. Looking vaguely annoyed, he asked Sonny to move out of the way. Isaac was supposed to pick his date up at her house at 8:00 sharp and he did not intend to be late.

Planting her hands on her hips, Sonny remained where she was. She did not intend to move until she received answers. “Sarah who?”

“Watkins. Who else?” Isaac replied, looking as though he expected his sister to automatically know whom he was referring to.

A blonde head began shaking adamantly. “There is no way on God’s green earth that you are going out with my friend.” When her brother started to protest, Sonny signaled him to remain silent. “No, you listen to me Isaac. I know exactly what’s going to happen because you’re a predictable moron. You’ll wine and dine her for a week or two, making her feel like she’s the center of your universe and then you’ll break her heart. And when that happens I’m gonna have to break every bone in your body!”

Isaac was suddenly grateful that his sister wasn’t carrying a baseball bat. “I’m not going to break her heart. I care about Sarah, despite your reservations.”

Sonny rolled her eyes. “How many times have I heard you say that? If I had a nickel for every single time those words spewed from your mouth I’d have almost as much money as Jack!”

“I’ve never felt this way about anyone before Sonny. I don’t blame you for having your doubts about me, but I’m being totally genuine. Sarah…I can’t even begin to explain to you how incredible she makes me feel.”

“You just got here. How close could you two have gotten in such a short amount of time?” As far as Sonny knew, her brother and best friend hadn’t spoken to each other since Monday when Sarah stopped by for a visit.

“Well Tuesday we went out for coffee during my lunch break, and last night after you went to bed she and I stayed up for nearly four hours talking on the Internet.” Isaac smiled broadly. “It was awesome. That was when I asked her out on a date, so this little sister is our first official date, and if I have my way it will be the first of many.”

“Isaac…”

“Sonny,” the dapper looking man started in a firm yet gentle tone, “I honestly care for Sarah and I assure you that I have never experienced these feelings for anyone in my entire life. This is real. Not a game and not a fling.”

Sonny found pure sincerity when searching eyes the same exact color of her own. “You’re not kidding, are you?” she softly inquired. She never thought she would witness the day when her brother actually started to have genuine feelings for someone. That he would open his heart to possibly…love? This proves to me that anything is possible!

Isaac smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling as he did so. “Absolutely.” Leaning down he chastely kissed his younger sibling on the cheek. “Now would you be so kind as to scoot out of the way? I’ve got to pick my date up at eight.”

Wearing a hint of a smile, Sonny gently poked her brother in the center of his broad chest. “You be good to Sarah okay? She’s my most cherished friend.”  Standing on her tiptoes, she smoothed down an errant lock of Isaac’s hair. “You be on your best behavior.”

Isaac rolled his eyes, though he was beaming. “Yes Mom.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“Gin.”

“Aw, crap!” Showing what a good sport she could be, Jack threw the ten cards she held in her hand on the felt green poker table. She mock glared at the grinning face sitting across from her before they counted their cards and she added up the scores. It was humiliating losing three games of Gin Rummy in a row to someone she had just recently taught how to play. “You cheated.”

“Just how did I cheat?” Chloe inquired, the grin on her face wider now.

Jack’s expression turned pouty as she shrugged. Glancing at the tablet that they had kept score on, she noticed the final score. She had 255 points to Chloe’s 520. That was totally unfair! “I dunno how you did it, but you did. You’re a novice so how could you beat my a—my butt that well so quickly?”

Chloe giggled. “Just lucky I guess. You wanna play again?”

Jack shook her head. “Nah, losing so terribly to my little sister is embarrassing. Why don’t we play something else? Monopoly perhaps? We haven’t played that in a long time.” Starting to smile, she fondly remembered the last time they had played the popular board game. It took so long to finish that they didn’t get to bed until nearly two o’clock in the morning and they had started playing at ten. Neither hardly kept their eyes open during the last hour but it had been terrific spending that time together. And although Jack was receiving a thorough butt kicking tonight, she was having a wonderful time just hanging out with her sister.

Settling on Monopoly, Jack arose to get it when the phone suddenly rang. There were two phones in the room and both she and Chloe zeroed in on the one making the noise. It wasn’t the ordinary phone, but the blue Blue one. This was the phone, which only Sonny had the number to. When she called via the dark blue phone, Jack knew to answer it as the Southern Dixie Monroe. The last time Sonny called she almost answered in her regular tone but managed to cover the slip before the other woman could notice.

Chloe tsked as she watched her sister hurry over to the ringing phone. “It’s time for more adventures starring Deceiving Dixie.”

Jack smirked. “Hush kid. I know what I’m doing.” Signaling her sister to be quiet, the brunette picked up the phone, saying a soft and breathy hello. Hearing a snort, Jack informed the caller that she would be right back. Walking over to her sister, she released the brakes on the young woman’s wheelchair despite her protests and guided her out of the room. Telling Chloe to go to her room and that she would meet her there soon with the Monopoly game and a bowl of popcorn, Jack closed the door, ignoring the slight disappointed frown on her sister’s face. Returning to the phone, Jack took a deep breath before speaking.

“Howdy there,” the brunette said in complete Dixie mode. “Sorry about that. I had to take somethin’ out of the oven.”

“What are you cooking?”

Jack frowned. What was she cooking? Closing her eyes, she tried to come up with something. “Um…a pie.”

“Oh, yeah? That sounds yummy. What kind of pie?”

Jack glanced at the phone, her frown deepening. What was this? An interrogation?!? “An apple pie. It’s my grandmother’s recipe. I’d tell you what it is, but then I’d hafta kill you.” Jack added a chuckle, pleased when Sonny chuckled as well. Now, it was time to change the subject. “So how are you? Is everything all right? Though I don’t mind, you’ve never called this late before.” Glancing at her watch, Jack saw that it was nearly nine o’clock.

“Everything is just fine and I’m doing well,” Sonny assured her. “I’ve actually been trying to write you an email for a while now and then it occurred to me that I could just call you. Plus, I wanted to hear your voice,” she shyly added.

More than anything, Jack fervently wished that Sonny knew whom she was talking with and that those words were meant for her. “That’s so sweet darlin’.” It was on the tip of her tongue to say that it was great to hear Sonny’s voice but Jack figured that that would only draw the blonde closer to Dixie and she was attempting to ‘wean’ her off. I’ll be pleasant, however I’ll sound a bit detached. Just enough to provoke her to have a smidgen of doubt of how Dixie might truly feel about her. Jack shoved her guilt aside. She had to pull this off. Their romantic futures were at stake.

“I won’t keep you long Dixie, but I wanted to ask you if you’d like to try meeting again?”

Jack allowed a long pause to settle between them before she offered a reply. “Sonny I would love to, but I’ve got a lot of stuff on my plate right now so…” she trailed off as she began to lightly drum her fingertips on the base of the phone.

“Oh, well that’s okay.” Sonny tried to hide her disappointment but failed miserably. “Will you let me know when your plate is uh…emptier?”

“I most certainly will.” For good measure, Jack pretended to yawn, making sure that it reached her caller. “Oh! I’m so sorry ‘bout that. I must be tired.” She detected a faint sigh and nearly emitted one herself. She felt like a deceitful jerk.

“Okay, then I won’t keep you. Just one more thing Dixie.”

“Yes?”

“This may sound like a stupid question, but what color are your eyes?”

Jack almost laughed. So, their lunch conversation had stayed with Sonny after all. “Not stupid at all. They’re brown.”

“Brown?!”

“Yes. My screen name doesn’t mean that I have blue eyes,” Jack paused slightly. “Sweetheart, I hate to rush this but I’ve gotta go.”

“Um…sure okay. Goodnight Dixie. It was nice hearing your voice again.”

“Ditto darlin’. G’night.” Hanging up the phone, Jack walked over to the poker table and collapsed into her seat. Needing something to do, she began to gather the playing cards scattered across the table. “Damn, lying is hard work.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Finishing her second box of Bon Bons, Sonny placed the empty box on the slightly sticky floor before she delved into the large bucket of buttered popcorn sitting on her lap. Tossing a few puffed kernels into her mouth, she looked ahead two rows in the movie theater at her brother and best friend. They were making goo goo eyes as they took turns feeding each other from a bag of Gummy Bears. If she weren’t in such a foul mood, she would have thought the scene to be adorable. Instead, the upset blonde frowned deeply at the display of affection between Isaac and Sarah.

Grabbing another handful of popcorn, Sonny wondered why she had allowed herself to be coerced into coming along to the movies this evening with Jack, Isaac, and Sarah. The last thing she felt like doing was having fun. Swallowing, Sonny took a long sip from her soda before looking for another box of Bon Bons. When she failed to find one, she realized that she had eaten both boxes before the lights dimmed and the previews started. Sighing, she started to get up in order to make a trip to the concession stand when a soft warm palm landed on her arm. Turning to the left, the blonde looked at Jack questioningly. Wearing a concerned expression, Jack asked if something was bothering her. During the last two hours the quartet had been out, Sonny was unusually quiet. Announcing that she was fine, Sonny attempted to get up again, however the hand on her arm had her in a firm grip and wouldn’t let go. Obviously irritated, the blonde informed Jack none too gently to remove her hand but merely received a shake of the head in reply.

“Talk to me,” Jack gently said. Glancing at her watch, she saw that they had at least five more minutes until the previews started.

“About what?”

“About what’s bothering you,” Jack retorted as she unconsciously started to stroke Sonny’s bare arm with her fingertips. “And don’t say nothing, because I know something is wrong. I haven’t seen you since Thursday. Did something happen in the last couple of days?”

Sonny wondered if she should tell Jack what happened Thursday evening. Within a few moments, she had made up her mind. Settling back in her seat, she nodded. “Thursday night I called Blue and spoke with her about us meeting.” With a silent nod, Jack waited for her to continue. “She said that she would love to but she had a lot on her plate right now, which basically means no.” Green eyes searched blue ones as though they held all of the answers. “Do you think she might be pulling away from me?”

Jack’s first thought was to say a resounding yes. However, she figured that that wouldn’t cause Sonny to feel any better. No, it was time for her to act like a true friend. She glanced toward Sarah, wondering what she would say if presented with a question such as this one.

“Sonny girl, she would be crazy to want to do that and I honestly don’t think she is. She told you that she has a lot on her plate and I’m quite sure that she’s telling the truth. What you need to do is give her some time for things to settle down in her life and then you two can set a date to meet.” Lacing their fingers together, Jack gave Sonny’s a gentle squeeze. “Don’t let this worry you. It’s needless to do so.”

“Really?” Sonny asked, still unsure of how Dixie might feel about her. Tears stung her eyes and she blinked rapidly, not wanting to break down in front of at least eighty people.

Bringing the hand she held to her lips, Jack tenderly kissed the back of while keeping eye contact with her beloved friend. “Really.”

Sonny began to smile for the first time that evening as she leaned over and kissed Jack’s cheek before thanking her. She started to feel a little better after their brief talk. Perhaps Dixie really was just busy and did want to meet Sonny as much as she wanted to meet her. I just need to stay positive. Settling back, she offered Jack some popcorn and both women began to eat from it as the lights dimmed. A commercial with animated hot dogs, popcorn, and candy showed up on the grand screen as Sonny leaned toward Jack.

“You were right,” she whispered, not wanting to disturb the people around them.

“Does that surprise you?”

Smirking, Sonny could still see her companion’s wide grin despite the darkness of the theater. “You were right about Dixie’s screen name not meaning that she has blue eyes. They’re actually brown.”

“So what does it mean?”

Shrugging, Sonny reached for her drink and took a sip. “I have no idea. She had to get off the phone before she could explain.” Right on cue, the blonde heard Jack making the theme music from the movie Psycho. She even pumped her hand up and down, mimicking the ghastly shower scene. With her free hand, she lightly punched her arm while trying to keep from laughing. “That’s not funny.” Making it crystal clear that she was fibbing, Sonny was powerless to stop a giggle from escaping.

~~~~~~~~~~

Arriving home five minutes before eight, Sonny kicked her shoes off as soon as she closed the door. It was the first week of December and already the stores were beginning to get crowded. It had taken Sonny ten minutes to find a parking space at the mall and nearly twice that time to checkout her items at the majority of the stores she visited.

Placing her bags on the floor, the blonde walked over to the couch and sat gracelessly. Feeling confined, she raised up enough in order to remove her jeans, placing them on the coffeetable. It was great to be able to take her clothes off in any room again since Isaac had moved into his own place right after Thanksgiving. She’d missed his presence when he moved out, but Sonny loved having her privacy back. Besides, she was able to see Isaac all the time since he and Sarah were seemingly joined at the hip. They officially were a couple and Sonny couldn’t be more thrilled though she was still often surprised that her brother the playboy was in a real relationship. He even held a steady job at Brew ‘n Paradise and was the employee of the month. Yes, it was obvious that Isaac was finally becoming a grown up.

Relaxing for a few more minutes, Sonny then arose and headed into the kitchen to find something to eat. Starving because she hadn’t eaten since her lunch break, she examined the contents of the refrigerator before choosing to have leftover pot roast. Heating the meat up in the microwave, she made a pot roast sandwich before deciding to make a salad to go along with it. Turning on the small radio sitting on her kitchen table, Sonny started to eat her dinner while listening to various tunes.

Feeling much better after finishing her meal, she washed her dishes before heading back into the living room and picking up her shopping bags. Dressed in only a T-shirt, panties, bra, and socks, Sonny plopped down on the couch, proceeding to wrap her purchases. Though she was by no means a professional wrapper, she did a decent job and had all her gifts successfully wrapped within an hour. Most of the gifts she had brought this evening would be packed into boxes and mailed to family members next week.

Deciding that she was in need of a shower, Sonny left the gifts on the coffeetable, couch, and floor as she headed into her bedroom. She was about to pull her shirt over her head when the phone started ringing. Quickly removing the shirt and tossing it on her bed, Sonny grabbed the phone and took a seat.

“Hello?”

“Whatcha up to?”

Sonny smiled into the phone, glad to hear the voice of her friend. “Just finished wrapping some Christmas gifts and was about to hop in the shower.” Too late, she realized that she should have left that last part off. Surely, her caller would make it her duty to comment on it.

“Really?” Jack drew out the word thoughtfully. “You want me to come over and scrub your back for you? I can do the rest of you too while I’m there.” The mischievous brunette grinned at the double entendre.

Sonny shook her head, a grin plastered on her face. “You…are…so…bad.” She heard the other woman chuckle.

“I…know.”

While laughing, the blonde leaned over to remove her socks, unconsciously beginning to fold them as she spoke. “I’m glad you called. I was planning on calling you when I finished with my shower.”

“Couldn’t resist hearing my voice before you went to bed and had naughty little dreams about me, eh?”

“Yes, that is my main reason for sleeping, so I can have erotic dreams about the ex-Conqueror all night long. You see, I simply cannot wait to remove all of the hindering clothing from my soft supple frame and slip between my cool inviting sheets so that I may meet you my dream lover. In fact, I was hoping that tonight we would try a little Kama Sutra. What do you think, hmm?” The second hand on Sonny’s small bedside clock ticked by, as there was a long silence from the other end of the line. She briefly wondered if her caller had fainted. “Um, Jack? Hello? Are you still there?” Hearing a throat clearing, the blonde grinned triumphantly. Rendered you speechless, did I Jack?

“I’m here,” Jack finally responded in a slightly breathless tone of voice.

Sonny’s grin spread. “And are you okay?”

“Oh, sure. I’ll have to break out my special friend tonight but other than that I’m just peachy.”

Though having an inkling that it would be wise to head away from the X-rated direction this conversation was going, Sonny’s curiosity won out over common sense. “What exactly is your special friend?”

“Come over and find out,” pausing, a grin started on Jack’s lips. “That is unless you want us to come to your place. Who knows? You might like my special friend.”

“If I wanted a special friend then I’d get a man.”

The brunette burst into laughter. “So you’re not as naïve as you were starting to sound,” she stated in a teasing voice.

Trapping the phone between her shoulder and cheek, Sonny reached behind and began to unclasp her bra. “I’m not as innocent as you may think Jack. I’ve dabbled in a few items that you’d never find at Toys r’ Us. Fake penises—and while we’re on the subject neither have real ones—have never held any interest for me. Been there, tried that and don’t care to try it anymore.” While removing her bra, the blonde shook her head, wondering why she was continuing to have this conversation and why she had just admitted to having used sex toys. She doesn’t need anymore encouragement!

Once more, there was silence, but it wasn’t as extensive as the previous time. “Er, has Jack Daniels paid you a visit tonight Sonny girl?”

Sonny smirked. “I’m not drunk. Anyway, I think we’ve talked enough about this subject.”

“But I wanted to know what particular toys you’ve dabbled in,” Jack replied in a whiny voice.

The other woman chuckled. “I think I’ll just allow you to wonder about that,” Sonny gave a slight pause before proceeding, “Now before we traveled down this sordid road, I did have something I wanted to ask you.”

“Yes, I will marry you.”

Though rolling her eyes, Sonny laughed. “That’s not it. I haven’t even been engagement ring shopping yet! I wanted to invite you to the grand opening of Peter’s coffeehouse next Saturday. Actually, the official grand opening for the public isn’t until Monday, but Saturday he’s going to have a get together for friends and family. We’re allowed to bring a guest so I’m asking you. Wanna go?”

“Gee, I’d love to but I received my own invitation in the mail and I’m bringing a gorgeous young lady with me.”

“Really?” The expression on Sonny’s face was one of surprise. Who could this gorgeous young lady be? She attempted to ignore the fact that she was a bit curious and jealous. After all, she didn’t own Jack. She could date whomever she pleased.

“Yes, really. But thanks for asking me anyway. It means a lot.”

Although she smiled, Sonny’s euphoric mood had downgraded slightly. “Okay, well I best get off the phone now so I can take that shower and hit the hay.”

“Sure, sure. Have sweet dreams. I love ya Sonny girl.”

“Love you too Jack.”

~~~~~~~~~~

The grand opening celebration of the new coffeehouse labeled Jitterbugs was underway and all invited were having a great time dancing, mingling, eating, and fiddling with the high-tech karaoke equipment. Well all except for the agitated twenty-seven year old blonde sitting alone at the end of the expansive marble topped bar and nursing an iced blended mocha. This being her fourth one of the evening, Sonny could practically feel the caffeine flowing through her body and figured she was well on her way to having the name of Peter’s coffeehouse fit her perfectly.

Having been in a funk for the past few days, Sonny had attempted to pull herself out of it in time for this party but hadn’t done a good job. She knew that she was being anti-social yet she just didn’t have it in her to put on a happy face. Sure, she had spoken with a few people, but mostly had sat alone in her corner drinking iced blended mocha’s one after another. The whipped cream, rich chocolate, and coffee they consisted of proved to offer the melancholy blonde a touch of solace.

Lifting green eyes from the counter, Sonny observed various others in the large coffeehouse. She estimated that there were around fifty invitees and perhaps it was just her imagination, but everyone else seemed to be in high spirits except for her. And perhaps it was just her imagination again, but they all appeared to be paired off.

Sarah and Isaac were mingling solely with each other now by cuddling in a booth and feeding each other bites of a hunk of chocolate cake they had obtained. Though feeling like the Scrooge of romance, Sonny looked at the new couple in annoyance. Just what was up with those two anyway? Ever since they became an item, it appeared as though they lost the ability to feed themselves. She refused to admit that she would have liked someone to feed her some chocolate cake.

Sonny sighed before sucking more vigorously on her straw as her eyes flickered to another couple just as her brother started to rain playful kisses on her best friend’s cheeks and neck. She watched as her ex-employee turned professional singer, Hawke slow danced with the tall handsome man she had come with. She had introduced him as her friend but Sonny considered that they looked awfully intimate with their arms wrapped tightly around each other. Plus, the fact that they shared a kiss every so often tipped her off that there was more going on than just friendship. They looked happy together and though she was in a deep funk, Sonny acknowledged that they made a cute couple.

Hearing someone holler in triumph, Sonny glanced toward the area, which had been deemed the “Playpen”. Within the Playpen were four pool tables, two dartboards placed on the walls, two pinball machines, and a number of small round tables set up for playing board games, each table having its own game such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Sorry, and even Operation. Focusing on the first pool table, Sonny watched as Peter pumped his fist in the air after obviously having beaten the dark-haired, muscular, and quite good-looking man he had been playing against. Remembering him as Kevin, the co-owner of Jitterbugs along with Peter’s cousin Doug, Sonny observed him merely shaking his head and smiling at Peter’s antics.

When she arrived a bit over an hour ago, Peter had somewhat shyly introduced the model lookalike Kevin as his love interest. Having spent a few minutes speaking with him, Sonny decided that she liked and approved of Kevin as her friend’s partner. She told Peter as much when the handsome man stepped away. She also slapped his upper arm good-naturedly and grinned while congratulating him on landing a “super fit stud muffin”.

Catching her eye, Peter smiled and waved before turning to Kevin and saying something. Giving him a quick but affectionate hug, the man purposefully headed in Sonny’s direction. Signaling the bartender, Sonny asked him for another iced blended mocha. As he proceeded to make her drink, Peter slipped onto the padded stool next to hers. Concerned eyes peered at her behind gold-rimmed glasses as the man placed his hand over the one she had resting on the marble counter and squeezed.

“What’s bothering you honey?”

“What makes you think that something is bothering me?” Spotting the cocktail napkin her drink had been resting on, Sonny busied herself by starting to fold it with her free hand.

Reaching over, Peter gently tugged the napkin out of her hand and waited until her green eyes were focused on him before speaking. “Well this is a party and instead of having fun, you’re sitting over here all by your lonesome looking like you just lost your best friend.” As if on cue, Peter glanced over his shoulder, his eyes falling on Sarah and Isaac who were now finished eating cake, their lips busy doing something more intimate than eating. Turning back to Sonny who was putting a significant dent in her fifth coffee shake, Peter asked, “Does Sarah and your brother’s relationship have anything to do with your mood?”

A blonde head shook in the negative. “No, no…I couldn’t be any happier for Sarah and Isaac. I wish them nothing but the best. Truly…really…honestly. I think they make a terrific couple. Very sweet.” Noticing that she was talking a bit rapidly, Sonny snapped her mouth shut. Putting her cup down on the counter, Sonny disengaged her hand from Peter’s before lacing her fingers together and twirling her thumbs around each other. She started out slowly, but soon picked up speed as she gazed at her hands as though the movement of her thumbs was of great fascination to her.

Lifting a curious brow, Peter reached for the iced blended mocha, only to have a quick petite hand clamp down on his. “What are you doing?”

“I…ah…think you’ve had enough of these Sonny.” His eyes falling on the nearby bartender, Peter watched the man quickly nod his head in agreement. When he made another move for the large drink, Sonny swiftly pulled it farther out of his reach. Sighing, Peter sat back on his stool regarding his friend with a look somewhere between annoyance and concern. "Sonny, do you think drowning your sorrows in a coffee drink is going to help any?”

“Sorrows?” The young woman adamantly shook her head. She made a show of looking around. “I see no sorrows here. Just a person enjoying an iced mocha at a bar. Don’t make more of this than what it truly is Peter.” Sonny offered the obviously unconvinced man a faint smile as she briefly patted his hand. “Now g’wan back to Kevin and play some more pool. I’m fine…really.”

“Uh huh.  I believe that about as much as I believe that humans can live without air. Level with me Sonny. Talk to me hon,” Peter softly pleaded. “Tell me what’s going on up here.” He briefly tapped the side of Sonny’s head with an index finger.

Glancing at her friend, the blonde concluded that he was likely not to give up. Sighing, Sonny took a long drag from her cup before placing it back on the counter. Swiveling around on the stool so that she was facing Peter, she gazed at him for a thoughtful silent moment before beginning to speak.

“I’m lonely,” she stated, her voice cracking on the last syllable. Pausing, Sonny swallowed around a tightening throat as Peter looked at her compassionately. Reaching out, he cupped her knee, giving it a squeeze for good measure. “It seems like everyone I see has someone they can call their own and here I am attempting to carry on a relationship with a person who doesn’t seem all that interested in actually meeting me.” Sonny laughed humorlessly. “If it were possible, I’d wring Cupid’s neck.”

Looking a bit quizzically at the dejected expression on his friend’s face, Peter wondered for the hundredth time why she didn’t take notice of what was right in front of her. Well…not right in front of her since the person she would see was him, but figuratively speaking. Did she just not recognize how perfect she and Jack were for each other? He knew that Jack did. That was plainly obvious, but why was dear sweet Sonny so slow on the uptake? Sure, the two of them had their problems in the beginning, but they had worked through them. So the million-dollar question was, why weren’t they a couple yet? Peter slowly shook his head. If only that Blue person wasn’t in the picture. She’s the thorn in something that has the ability to be a great romance!

“What does…what’s her name? Dixie?”

Sonny nodded as she stirred the thick tan substance within her cup, green eyes following the movements of the crimson straw.

Peter barely controlled himself from grabbing the mocha filled cup. He half expected Sonny to start bouncing off the walls. Someone has consumed far too much caffeine!  Taking a deep breath, he then asked, “What does Dixie have that Jack doesn’t?” Peter closely watched as the straw ceased to move and Sonny slowly turned towards him. After a few moments he began to think that she wasn’t going to answer since she simply stared at him, amazingly still for someone who had such a great amount of an alkaloid within them. Finally, she blinked, taking a deep breath.

“I love Dixie and she loves me.”

“Well honey if she loves you so much then why did you say she doesn’t seem interested in meeting you?” Peter inquired in a gentle tone. “Is that love?”

Having another burst of energy, Sonny started to drum her fingertips on the marbled counter as her mind raced for an answer to this question. Did Dixie actually love her or had she tossed the words out with little regard? And was she truly busy or did she just not want to be bothered? Sonny recalled the two emails she had sent earlier in the week. She had yet to receive a response to either one and she knew that Dixie had read them because she checked. Perhaps the Southern woman was pulling away. Perhaps she had never loved Sonny in the first place and this had all just been a game to her. Maybe nothing they had shared had been real to her. As she admitted this to herself, Sonny’s level of depression sank even lower. Had Dixie just played her for a fool? She sincerely hoped that she was wrong.

Unable to meet Peter’s concerned gaze, the blonde woman looked down toward her lap. “I don’t know…I don’t know what to think anymore.”

“How do you feel about Jack?”

Raising her head, Sonny looked at her friend quizzically. “Jack? We’re just friends. Why does everyone think there should be more to it than that? Gosh, my own mother called me last week to ask, ‘how things were progressing between us’. And my sisters keep hounding me with emails.” Pausing, Sonny shook her head in bewilderment. “I love Jack--I’ll admit that. But I don’t love Jack. Do you understand that?” A golden eyebrow lifted as Sonny noticed the broad grin now on Peter’s lips. She barely refrained from rolling her eyes. “What?” She asked, sounding only slightly irritated.

He snickered. “Sonny and Jack sittin’ in a tree. K-I-S—OW!” Peter pretended to look wounded after being the recipient of a punch in the arm. Snickering more, he stood up before leaning forward and giving his friend a hearty hug, complete with a kiss on each cheek. He was pleased to notice that she looked a bit more animated now and winked at her saying, “Sonny, sometimes what we’re looking for we later find out we already had. Don’t be so quick to overlook what’s already here.” Giving her a tender smile, he patted her back before releasing her and slipping away. A smile found its way to his lips as he glanced toward the entrance to his coffeehouse. Perfect timing.

Stopping, Peter waved until he had the latest arrival’s attention and then inconspicuously pointed in the direction of the bar. Quickly getting the point, the tall leather clad figure standing just within the entrance gave Peter a nod and a smile along with two hearty thumbs up. Grinning, Peter proceeded toward the Playpen, intent on kicking Kevin’s firm buttocks again via another game of pool.

After briefly stopping to speak with a couple of people, Jack casually sidled up to the bar, yet to be noticed by Sonny who was tapping her foot while gazing toward the wall as though she had found something of great interest on its cream colored texture. Stopping just behind the seated woman, Jack resisted the urge to press a kiss on the top of her blonde head as she slowly leaned down until her lips were a bare inch away from a delicate pink ear.

“What’s a sexy little thing like you doing sitting here all alone?”

Nearly jumping out of her skin due to the unexpected whispered inquiry and tiny puffs of warm minty breath delivered into her ear, Sonny quickly swiveled around on her stool, coming face to face with the woman who had plagued a vast majority of her thoughts during the past week. She was about to utter a reply when she suddenly lost the ability to speak as her eyes trailed up and down Jack’s body. Though vaguely aware that she was staring, she simply could not resist. Sonny shook her head a tiny bit. Does she ever not look good?

The six-foot gorgeous creature looked like a sensual and ultra sexy gangster. As she gazed at the black leather pants gently hugging Jack’s powerful thighs and legs, Sonny briefly wondered if it was a requirement for the millionaire to wear leather on a regular basis. And how on earth could she comfortably wear it in Florida? Sure, it was officially wintertime now, but still…

Above the leather pants, Jack wore a strikingly white long-sleeved button-down Oxford shirt, which she’d chosen to leave untucked. A neatly arranged golden silk tie complete with thin black stripes woven into it, complimented the shirt. On the top of Jack’s dark head was a black fedora, which she’d arranged so that her left eye was almost totally shaded. The words that came to Sonny’s mind were “sexy as hell”. On her feet was a pair of steel-capped black construction boots that fit in with the outfit perfectly.

“See something to your liking?” Jack rewarded the gaping blonde with a devilish smile. She had been hoping for an effect just like this one and was quite pleased to say the least. Never in her entire lifetime, had Jack taken so long to choose what she was intending to wear. If it hadn’t been for Chloe’s assistance, she might still be in her closet trying to decide.

Needing something to cool her parched throat, Sonny a couple long sips from her drink, enduring a bit of a brain freeze in the process. Closing her eyes until the uncomfortable chill finished racing through her head, the blonde then took a deep breath before returning her attention to the mischievous ex-Conqueror.

“Aren’t you here with someone Jack?” She inquired, having finally located the whereabouts of her voice, even if it did sound slightly weak. “Don’t you have enough decorum not to flirt with me when you’re on a date?” Sonny inwardly winced. If she had enough flexibility, she would have given herself a swift kick in the butt for sounding so blatantly jealous. But I am, right? It’s the reason I haven’t spoken to her in a week and for lack of a more pleasant word, been so bitchy.

Since Jack’s surprising revelation on the phone last Friday that she had invited someone to Peter’s grand opening bash, Sonny’s mood proceeded to spiral downward much like the day before yesterday’s leftovers into a garbage disposal. Though she was aware of her immature behavior, Sonny could not bring herself to “put on a happy face” when what she really wanted to do was break down into tears. Numerous times during the week, she had attempted to convince herself that her sudden depression was solely due to Dixie’s recent behavior but that was only a minuscule part of it. The truth of the matter was that Sonny did not relish the idea of having another woman being the receiver of Jack’s affection. Yes, it was selfish and unfair on her part, but she could not deny it any longer.

The blonde slowly shook her head. I insist that she needs to move on and when she finally does I put her on ignore for an entire week. Sending mixed signals much Sonny? Before she could continue on with her thoughts, Sonny was brought out of them by a deep chuckle. Looking up, she noticed that Jack was nearly doubled over in laughter and wondered what she could possibly find to be funny. Waiting until the abrupt laughter metamorphosed into tiny snickers, Sonny asked.

Wiping at watery and mirth filled blue eyes, Jack snickered once more before answering. “You actually.” Grinning at Sonny, she moved sideways until she could lean against the bar. “You tickle me Sonny girl.”

A curious expression spilled onto Sonny’s face. “Tickle you? What did I say?”

“If I didn’t know any better…which on second thought perhaps I don’t, I’d say you were a touch jealous that I’d brought someone with me.” That impish grin remained on her face as Jack patiently waited for a retort.

Though she promptly snorted, the expression on Sonny’s face proved Jack’s speculation to be right on the money. Green eyes narrowed in annoyance as Jack let out a small chuckle. A broad smile on her lips, the brunette stood erect before turning around and scanning the crowd for a particular person. Finding her sitting at a table conversing with Hawke, Jack looked back at her sulking friend while she pointed in that direction.

“That’s who I came with.” She watched as Sonny’s eyes settled on the person she was pointing to. When the blonde looked surprised and then relieved Jack had to bite down on her tongue in order to keep from chuckling again. Sheepish and guilt ridden green eyes slowly turned toward Jack. Though Sonny had not uttered a single word since the discovery, her expression plainly said, “Oops.”

“Umm Chloe…uh…,” her words faltering, the embarrassed blonde took a deep breath before attempting to speak again, “Chloe is the gorgeous young lady you were referring to on the phone last week?” She received a silent nod in reply. Looking all the more sheepish now, Sonny briefly returned her attention to the adorable mini-Jack who was making her way to the dance floor with a tall blond man whom she hadn’t met. Trying to buy some time, Sonny watched the couple as they animatedly danced while Isaac did his best to sing Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” to Sarah on stage with a bit of help from the karaoke machine. However, bless his heart, it wasn’t helping enough, though Sarah was thoroughly enjoying the serenade anyway. It then occurred to Sonny that Chloe was dancing…standing on her own two feet…no wheelchair in sight.

Her face significantly brightening, the blonde gazed at Jack, who had been watching her face the entire time. “She’s walking! And dancing!”

The brunette laughed while glancing over her shoulder at her young sister. “Yep, that she is.”

“When? How? I didn’t know!”

“Well…I attempted to call you a few times but you never returned them. She’s been taking a few steps for a couple of weeks now but Monday was the first time she truly took the initiative to walk.” Leaning toward Sonny, she whispered conspiratorially, “Though just between you and I, I think the kid’s been able to walk for quite a while now and just pretended that she couldn’t because she liked having me running around doing just about everything for her. Of course, she won’t admit it.” Jack winked, wearing a delighted smile. She’d nearly burst into tears, (okay so she had shed a few) when Chloe walked on Monday without any assistance. It had been a very proud moment.

Sighing, Sonny’s head dropped forward as the guilt returned tenfold. Because of her immaturity, she had missed out on something of great importance. During the past week she hadn’t been behaving like a true friend toward Jack and was deeply apologetic for it.

“Hey, what’s the matter sweetheart?” Her leather-encased bottom taking occupancy on a barstool, Jack peered at Sonny’s face, wondering why she looked so rueful now.

Glancing up at the concerned face, the blonde sighed. “I’ve been such a bitch,” she whispered. “I completely ignored your attempts to get in contact with me just because I was upset that…that you had a date for this party.” Shaking her head, she hoarsely whispered, “I’m so sorry Jack. A true friend doesn’t act like that. I don’t even know why you’re talking to me because it’s so obvious that I don’t deserve you.” Her vision blurring, Sonny wiped at her eyes. Before she could take another breath, a pair of arms was wrapped around her body, holding her tightly. She briefly felt warm lips press against the side of her neck as she returned the hug with fervor.

“First of all,” Jack started as she kept the smaller woman in her embrace, “you don’t even come close to being a bitch. Now me,” the brunette released a small self-depreciating chuckle, “I’ve acted like a bitch plenty of times in the past, but never you sweetheart. Please don’t beat up on yourself,” pausing, Jack leaned back so that she could look into watery verdant eyes. “Second, why am I talking to you? How could I not? Now that you’ve entered my life I want…crave to hear your sweet voice every chance that I get.” Reaching up, Jack gently wiped away an escaping tear from Sonny’s face. “Baby, don’t you realize how much I love you? Nothing could ever…ever change that. You and Chloe are my entire world.” Trailing her thumb across soft lips Jack said, “Now give me one of those smiles that always brighten my day.”

Though it was a bit tremulous at first, Sonny did as she was told, her lips curving upward as Jack’s did the same. Giving her a squeeze, Jack kissed her cheek with a loud smack. “That’s much better Sonny girl.”

Starting to feel so much better, Sonny returned the kiss. “Thanks Jack.”

“Aaw, I should be thanking you.” Standing, the brunette lightly stretched, quite aware that a pair of green eyes was focused on her movements. Concealing the grin that begged to burst forth, Jack asked her friend if she knew where the bathroom was. Giving her directions to where it was located, Sonny covertly watched as lithe form began to move away. Before she could take five full steps, Jack did an about-face and sauntered back toward Sonny. Leaning down, she remarked in a slightly husky voice oozing with sexiness, “Just to keep your mind racing while I’m gone, I’ll have you know that I’m wearing leather underwear as well.” Taking great delight in the blush that suffused her friend’s face, Jack almost happily skipped toward the bathroom.

Before her brain had time to acknowledge what she was doing, Sonny made a beeline for the bathroom a mere ten feet or so behind an unsuspecting Jack. With a look of purpose, she pushed open the swinging door leading into the ladies restroom. Glad to not see anyone except for Jack, she quickened her steps in order to catch up with the woman before she could fully close the stall she’d chosen to occupy. Feeling a slight pressure on the door, which refused to close, Jack looked up, surprise mixed with a healthy dose of curiosity written across her face as she studied the determined blonde standing before her.

She was about to say something when Sonny pushed her back farther into the stall, causing her calves to touch the rim of the stark white porcelain toilet. And speaking of the toilet, it was suddenly occupied by the fedora, which toppled off of Jack’s head. However, at the moment she couldn’t care less, her eyes glued to Sonny. Looking exactly like a lion that had finally caught its prey, the petite blonde walked stealthily into the stall, briefly turning to lock the door. An audible click sailed through the air as she looked back to Jack with an expression that the brunette had seen one other time. Jack recalled it quite fondly. My pool and chaise lounge had never seen so much sexual activity.

When she was about to make another attempt at talking, Sonny chose that moment to get her mouth busy doing something else. Though Jack had no objections when those soft lips started attacking hers with a passion she had never experienced. And though thoroughly surprised, the ex-Conqueror melted into the fiery kiss, moaning when Sonny’s tongue wandered out to greet her own. As their tongues playfully dueled, Jack felt nimble fingers sliding beneath her shirt and tracing idle patterns along her sides. Her legs beginning to feel like jelly, the brunette was about to attempt sitting down when it became obvious that her little seductress had other plans.

Wrapping a hand around Jack’s silky tie, Sonny nudged her toward the wall until her back was firmly pressed against it. Her entire body feeling as though it had just been infused by fire, Jack moaned surely loud enough for everyone in the building to here it when that sweet tongue plunged back into her mouth. Wanting to touch every inch of this woman, Jack started by cupping her jean covered cheeks, giving the taut flesh an ample squeeze as their bodies began to writhe against each other.

“Ooh yes, Jack,” Sonny breathlessly whispered against lips swollen from their heated kisses. Pressing one last kiss to those lips, she trailed her own across the taller woman’s chin and to her throat where she took her time laving the area around Jack’s pulse point. Finding it incredibly difficult to speak coherently, Jack lightly moaned as she raised a thigh, pressing it against the apex of Sonny’s jeans. A tiny grin slipped onto her lips when she felt the movement of gently rocking hips.

Her brain obviously having shut down and ignoring the tiny voice inside that demanded that she stop what she had initiated, Sonny proceeded to hurriedly unbutton Jack’s shirt, resisting the urge to just rip it open in her anticipation to view what lied beneath. She had enough sensibility left to realize that it wouldn’t do for Jack to have to walk around with an unsecured shirt on. However, quite a few people probably wouldn’t have any objections to that.

While those skilled teeth and tongue did delicious things to her neck, Jack wondered if her little friend actually intended to…well take her in a public bathroom stall. While she had no problems with the latter occurring, she would have preferred it to occur somewhere more conventional. Such as her super comfortable king-sized bed. Jack almost chuckled. Okay, perhaps their passionate activity on the chaise lounge hadn’t been particularly conventional, but at least they had more privacy.

Before Jack could continue her mental debate, her thoughts were abruptly ended when she felt determined hands tugging on the fly of her pants and a soft mouth placing warm damp kisses between her bra encased breasts. Tossing her head back, Jack released a long guttural moan while a wicked little tongue delved within her cleavage and one hand slipped beneath the waistband of her now unzipped pants. Closing her eyes, Jack focused on the pleasure rippling throughout her body due to the petite woman before her. Was it possible to explode because of desire and need? She felt as though she were on the verge of doing so.

Screw conventionalization, Jack thought as she gazed at the blonde kissing her way down her belly. I need her now. Silently lifting Sonny to her feet, Jack greeted her with a brief grin before reclaiming her mouth. She laughed when Sonny made a panting observation.

“You really are wearing leather undergarments.” And though indeed she was, the matching black leather brassiere and panties showed more than they covered. Jack’s breasts seemed dangerously close to escaping their confines and had Sonny taking the initiative to pull down her pants, she would have noticed that in the back a mere thin strip of leather, which appeared to resemble onyx dental floss ‘covered’ the ex-Conqueror’s…assets.

“God, Sonny I want you so badly…I need you to feel you,” Jack throatily admitted just before finding an enticing pink ear to nibble on. Deciding that her younger friend needed to be more unwrapped like she was, Jack set to work on unzipping her jeans when with a soft gasp Sonny took a swift step backwards. Darkened green eyes gazed up toward her own smoky blue with a look mixed with equal parts apprehension, confusion, and passion. Uh oh. Jack suddenly had a feeling that her libido wasn’t about to be attended to anytime soon. I knew this was too good to last for long. “Something wrong?” she hesitantly inquired, hoping that the answer was no but realizing that it was most likely the opposite.

The blonde head shook from side to side. “Jack this is wrong. We can’t do this.”

Despite her first intentions to remain calm, Jack released a groan as she ran slightly tremulous hands through her hair. “Damn Sonny, you’re gonna be the death of me.” Pausing, she took a deep breath, which didn’t actually help. “Tell me, why is this so wrong ‘cause it feels extremely right to me!”

One word. “Dixie.”

Barely refraining from using a strong expletive, Jack kept her mouth shut while she proceeded to fix her clothing, starting with buttoning up her shirt. She knew that the other woman’s eyes were upon her yet she refused to make eye contact. Though she was quite aware that it was immature, Jack was on the verge of having a temper tantrum by merely walking out of the restroom without uttering another word.

Hearing Sonny calling her name, Jack refused to answer as she refastened her pants before straightening her tie. When she heard the desperate pleading in Sonny’s voice she couldn’t help but to look at her. When she saw the tears glistening in those expressive green eyes, she could have kicked her own butt. Drawing Sonny to her, she quietly held the smaller woman as she shed a few tears.

“I’m sorry,” Sonny cried as she buried her face against her companion’s shirt, tears staining the pristine whiteness. “I’m so very sorry Jack. It’s wrong to lead you on.”

“Hey, no need for an apology,” Jack soothed, kissing the top of Sonny’s head. “It’s quite alright sweetheart.” Leaning back so that she could see the blonde’s face, Jack grinned. “Feel free to lead me on any ol’ time.” Glad when she received a chuckle, the ex-Conqueror’s grin grew broader.

Inhaling deeply, Sonny stepped out of the warm embrace, taking Jack’s hands in her own. “It’s just that…well, I’m not ready to give up on Dixie. Maybe it won’t work, but I feel that I should give us a chance.”

Jack inwardly sighed. And yet you can’t keep your hands off of me. How exactly does that fit into your plan of giving her a chance? Before she could give considerable thought to what she was about to say, Jack opened her mouth, throwing caution to the wind. “Sonny girl, I’m Blue.” Barely realizing that she ceased to breathe, she closely observed Sonny’s face for any signs of indignation. However, she couldn’t detect any as the other woman merely granted her with an unreadable look for a few moments before she released a heavy sigh.

“I know,” Sonny quietly admitted.

Say what? Jack fought hard to keep the surprise from showing on her face, not having any idea that her friend would come back with a reply such as that one. She knew? How could she know? And the better question was why hadn’t she said anything when she first found out? Jack thought back over the course of their friendship, searching for any clues she might have given Sonny.

The facts.

Sonny knew that Blue was tall and Jack happened to be as well. She resided in Orlando as did Jack. They both had raised their sister from a small child because their parents were deceased. Also, it was quite a coincidence that Jack showed up on exactly the same day and time when Sonny was supposed to meet Blue for the first time at Disneyworld. However, she never showed up and therefore Sonny ended up spending the day with Jack.

Okay, it was entirely possible that she put two and two together. Now, wasn’t she supposed to be upset that Jack had…well basically deceived her? Jack examined Sonny’s expression again not detecting the slightest bit of ire. Hmm, perhaps she had made a big deal out of what seemed to not have any ill effect on her beloved. But just to be sure…

“And you’re not upset?”

Looking perplexed, Sonny shook her head. “No, why would I be upset because of that Jack? I know that you’re unhappy about my attempt to possibly build something with Dixie. If anyone has the right to be upset, it’s you. It’s as though I’m constantly teasing you and I wouldn’t blame you if you told me to take a flying leap.” She shook her head in self-disgust. “I insist that you move on and then I trap you in a bathroom stall. I’m really sorry Jack.”

Jack slowly blinked as she digested the words just spoken. She took her declaration to being Blue as in melancholy blue. Sonny still didn’t know. Jack wasn’t sure whether to be disappointed or relieved by that fact. She actually felt a mixture of both.

Her lips curving into a soft smile, Jack reached out and brushed the back of her hand across Sonny’s cheek. “It’s okay Sonny girl. We can just forget this ever happened if that’s what you want.” Actually, she herself would never forget it. This was branded on her brain permanently. Surely, not ever Alzheimer’s could erase it.

Returning the smile, Sonny nodded. “Thanks Jack.” Secretly, there was no way she was going to forget. Even if she’d felt inclined to do so.

“Maybe we should…umm…get out of here.” Jack smiled again as she glanced toward the door, wondering if anyone had come in and heard them during their heated make out session. Now wouldn’t that have made an interesting headline? The ex-Conqueror and the woman she booted out of the coffee business get caught playing tongue hockey in a public ladies room.

Lightly chuckling, Sonny headed toward the door when she caught something out of the corner of her eye. Looking into the toilet, she spotted Jack’s black fedora floating on top of the clear water. Sheepishly, she reached down and grabbed the damp hat, shaking the water droplets from it before she offered it to Jack. “Sorry about your hat Jack.”

Finding this humorous, Jack laughed. “Aw, it’s okay.” She shook her head. “I’m having the damnedest luck with hats lately. Perhaps this is a sign that I should retire from wearing them!”

Sonny smiled at her. “No, don’t do that. You look good in them.” Not giving her friend a chance to reply, less she utter something suggestive, the blonde unlocked the door before walking out, Jack following closely behind her. They both halted when they spied the young blonde casually leaning against the sink with her arms folded across her chest. A huge knowing smile lit up her adorable face.

“Well, well, well,” Hawke started in a singsong voice. “Just what were you two up to in there, hmm?” She just knew it! She knew that something more than friendship had to be going on between them.

Whereas Jack merely looked roguish, Sonny’s cheeks were turning a deep crimson. Catching sight of Jack’s face, she slapped her on the arm, annoyed when the brunette gave her a saucy grin. Hawke chuckled as she watched the silent interaction between them. They were just too cute for words!

“Nothing. Nothing at all,” Sonny replied, not sounding the least bit convincing.

Hawke was unsurprisingly unconvinced. “Uh huh. Listen, until you two make a formal announcement I’m not going to breathe a word about your relationship. You can trust me.” She smiled sweetly just to show how trustworthy she was.

“There’s no announcement to be made!” Turning to regard a quiet Jack, Sonny concluded that she wasn’t going to be receiving any help from the infuriating woman. When she glared the ex-Conqueror grinned and winked at her.

Snickering, Hawke pushed away from the sink and sauntered towards the exit after waving at a flustered Sonny and mischievous Jack. They listened—Sonny in complete embarrassment as she began to sing lyrics (with a little editing) from an Atlantic Starr song.

Secret lovers

That’s what they are

Try so hard to hide the way they feel

They don’t belong to anyone else

But they can’t let go

Although they love each other so

As Hawke’s melodic voice drifted away from the room, Jack was nearly rolling on the floor in laughter while Sonny covered her bright red face. Surely, hopefully Hawke would make good on her promise not to tell anyone what she found in this restroom. Sonny had never known the younger woman to be a tattletale in the past.

Taking notice of the laughter, the blonde turned toward Jack, who actually had tears rolling down her face. Though she tried not to, Sonny found herself joining in on the laughter despite the embarrassing situation. She couldn’t help it. Jack was infectious.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hearing the phone’s incessant ringing, Briana put the final touches on her Christmas present to Sonny. A bright red bow was placed on the small rectangular gift before the young woman found a place for it under the cheerily decorated Christmas tree. Since her sister wasn’t currently home, Briana walked over and picked up the phone just as Sonny’s voice began to play via her answering machine.

“Happy Holidays,” Briana jauntily spoke into the phone. Although there was five days until Christmas day, every year Briana ceased answering the phone with the customary hello between the dates of December 18^th through the 30^th. She then proceeded with Happy New Year’s until the second of January officially arrived. It was a tradition that she created of her very own. However, no one in her family had picked up on it except for Melanie. Briana figured that converting one was better than none.

“And Happy Holidays to you too,” a Southern accented voice replied after a moment’s pause. “Is Madison home?”

Briana’s interest was instantly awakened as she wondered just who this woman could be. The voice didn’t sound at all familiar. “May I ask who is calling?”

“Sure honey. Her friend Dixie.”

Golden brows nearly disappearing into her hairline, Briana moved over toward the couch and plunked down on it. “Dixie? Dixie Monroe?”

A soft chuckle wafted through the receiver. “Yes, that’s right honey. I reckon that you have heard of me?”

“My sister has mentioned you,” Briana answered a bit tightly. All she could think about was that this woman was the sole obstacle standing in Sonny and Jack’s way of being together. If it wasn’t for her, they might already be a couple. And what a cute couple they would make too! Gripping the phone tighter than what was needed, Briana quickly decided that she had to be the one to eliminate Dixie. Completely ignoring the fact that she was sticking her nose where it did not belong, she started to speak.

“I think it’s in your best interest not to call here any more. My sister hasn’t heard from you in several days yet you claim to love her. Tell me just what kind of love is that?” Glancing toward the front door, Briana silently prayed that Sonny wouldn’t enter before this conversation was done. She’d gone to pick up the ten pounds of Chinese food they had ordered and would be back at any moment now.

There was another pause, this one slightly longer than the last. “Are you Madison’s little sister Briana? I’ve heard so much about you. All good of course.”

“Yes, I am.” Rising, Briana started to pace within the boundaries of the living room. “And you didn’t answer my question. Just in case you thought otherwise, it wasn’t rhetorical.” She thought she heard a snicker, however it was much too brief to be declared as one. Regardless, Briana frowned.

“I do love her Briana as hard as it may be for you to believe. Your sister means a whole lot to me. I know that my behavior as of late has been less than…’gentlewomanly’ and for that I do apologize. I’ve just had a lot goin’ on but I’m calling ‘cause I’m ready and able to mend things with Madison. She means more to me than I could ever relay to you.”

Despite her irritation at Dixie’s presence in her sister’s life, Briana couldn’t help but to believe that she was being genuine. However, that didn’t rule out the fact that she was still an obstacle. Dixie just had to realize that Sonny was not her perfect mate. She had to be made to realize that there was someone else out there for her. She sounded like a pleasant enough person. Certainly, someone would sweep the Southern belle off of her feet before long.

Unfortunately, before Briana had the chance to voice any of those thoughts she detected the sound a door makes when a key is inserted into it. Looking rather annoyed at the interruption, the teenager sighed.

“Hold on a minute Dixie.” Walking toward the door, Briana opened it before her sister had a chance to. Giving her a distracted smile, she helped Sonny with the plastic bags filled with their dinner. As they headed into the kitchen, Sonny noticed the phone clutched in Briana’s hand.

“Is that for me? Is it Jack?”

After placing her delicious burden on the kitchen table, Briana gazed at her sister curiously. “What?”

“On the phone?” Sonny pointed at the hand length object.