by Alex Tryst

Disclaimers: See Part 1

Feedback: Drop me a line if you’d like at alextryst@hotmail.com.

Dedications: To my wife, you are my fondest wish.

Copyright © May 1998 by Alex Tryst. All Rights Reserved.

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Over the next month Reagan and Melanie only saw each other twice a week due to Reagan's busy case load and Melanie's job search. One particular weekend Reagan did help Melanie and Sarah find a place to live in DuPont and even put down the security deposit for them, since neither had found jobs yet. However, it looked highly likely that Melanie would be working with the Washington Ballet Company.

As graduation came around, Reagan got extremely busy, but on the day of graduation, she showed as promised just in time for the ceremony. Afterward Reagan waded through the crowd trying to find Melanie and her family, but there were so many people making it difficult. She felt a hand on her side causing her to jump. "Sarah, hi."

"Hey, Reagan. You look awfully dashing in that suit. Melanie's lucky. I wish I had run into your car instead of her. Funny that she totaled my car but still gets the girl." she mentioned grinning coyly.

Reagan gave a slightly uncomfortable smile not knowing exactly what Sarah was trying to say. "Have you seen Melanie? I'm looking for her."

"Oh yeah. She went that way."

"Okay. Thanks. I'll see you later. Congratulations, by the way." Reagan said extending her hand to Sarah.

Sarah threw her arms around Regan's neck though, brining her into a full body hug. Pecking Reagan's cheek she whispered mischievously, "See you later."

Reagan pulled away slowly as their eyes met. Sarah quickly raised an eyebrow as her lips blew Reagan another kiss. Suddenly Reagan heard her name in the crowd. Turning she saw Melanie approaching, and Sarah relinquished her grip on Reagan's waist. After a brief introduction to her parents, they all decided to go for lunch and then to see Melanie's new apartment.

The following day Melanie and Sarah borrowed Reagan's Jeep to move in to their new place while Reagan was at work. However, Reagan promised that when she got off, she'd come by to paint the kitchen and bathroom. When she arrived at the apartment, she found Sarah there alone.

"Hey, cutie. Melanie's not here right now. Come on in. You look tired." Sarah stated pulling Regan in by the arm. "How about a drink?" she asked.

"Okay. Thanks. I'm just going to change into my paint clothes. Tonight I'm going to finish the kitchen for you."

Reagan went and changed into a tank top and old shorts before going into the kitchen. She began to paint the trim while Sarah started her dinner. A few minutes went by in silence before Reagan felt a body pressed into her back. A hand looped around her waist. "Your drink." Sarah whispered. Reagan could feel Sarah's breath on her neck as her temperature began to rise. Reagan took her drink, thanking her. Sarah's body lingered against Reagan's as her hand rested on Reagan's stomach momentarily before retreating to the stove. Reagan desperately wished Melanie would return quickly.

A few more minutes went by before she felt Sarah's hand on her hip. "Scoot over a bit. I need to get in this cabinet."

Reagan did as requested, and Sarah opened the cabinet, kneeling down next to Reagan's leg. Instead of just reaching directly in, Sarah reached through Reagan's legs to get what she needed. When Reagan felt Sarah's hand low on her inner thigh, she unknowingly gave a whimper. Suddenly the front door opened causing Reagan to jump. Sarah stood giving Reagan a sensual, knowing smile before going back to her dinner. When Melanie came in, she hugged Reagan.

"Baby, it's so good to see you." Reagan said giving her a powerful kiss while Sarah looked on.

"Well, I missed you too." Melanie teased as Reagan dove into her neck. As Reagan kissed Melanie's ear, her eyes caught Sarah's. Finally after a few minutes of playful affection, Reagan pulled away and continued with her painting.

It only took about an hour to finish the trim, and then Reagan began to wash her brush in the kitchen sink. As she was standing there, she lowered her head and closed her eyes from a long day. A moment passed before she felt arms encircle her waist causing her to jump, thinking it was Sarah again.

"Sorry, honey. I didn't mean to scare you." Melanie whispered. "You got paint in your hair. Why don't we take a shower, and I'll get that out for you." Reagan nodded beginning to feel Melanie rub her bare shoulders.

Leaving her brush in the sink to drain, Reagan followed Melanie into the master bedroom. They both undressed before getting in the shower. Reagan closed her eyes as the warm water fell upon her neck. Melanie bathed herself quickly before concentrating on Reagan. She washed every inch of Reagan's body, massaging her back and shoulders, as Reagan nuzzled into her wet hair.

"I love you so much." Reagan whispered beginning to gently graze Melanie's neck with her lips.

"Oh, I love you too."

Reagan backed Melanie into the tile wall as her hands began to massage Melanie's outer thighs. They parted slightly and Reagan's leg nestled between them as their mouths met. Reagan wanted to be inside of her at that moment more than ever before. Pulling away slightly their eyes met before Reagan slowly knelt on one knee. Melanie's hand touched the top of Reagan's head, giving Reagan a gentle pull between her thighs. Reagan's eyes closed as she leaned into it, smelling Melanie's scent for the first time.

However a knock on the bathroom door stopped her from going further as she anxiously jumped up from her knee. The door opened slightly before Sarah said, "One of our neighbors is here. She wants to meet you. She's so cute."

Knowing sex would be postponed again, they got out of the shower and dressed quickly. When they walked into the living room, Sarah was standing there with an average height, black-haired, dark-eyed woman. She was muscular in the legs and arms. She was wearing a black tank top, jean shorts, and black combat boots. As soon as her eyes saw Melanie, she gave a wide, interested smile.

"Hi, I'm Shawn. I live next door." she stated extending her hand.

Melanie shook it answering, "I'm Melanie, and this is my girlfriend, Reagan." Shawn's smile faltered slightly but quickly recovered as she shook Reagan's hand as well. Shawn only stayed for a few minutes but as she left, she invited them to a party that weekend. Once she was gone, Reagan decided she better go as well. Melanie begged her to stay, but Reagan declined saying she had to tend to J.R. She really only wanted to get away from Sarah's eyes, though. Reagan had become very aware of their every movement over her body during the course of the evening.

On Saturday night Melanie and Sarah went to Shawn's party. As soon as they walked in Shawn greeted them. "Hey! Glad you could make it." she said to both of them. Turning to Melanie she asked, "Where's your girlfriend?"

"Oh, she went to a Baltimore Orioles game with some friends." Melanie mumbled.

Seeing her disappointment Shawn said, "Sorry. I didn't mean to bring up a sensitive subject. I'm glad you're here. I was hoping you'd come."

Over the course of the evening Melanie and Sarah got to know many of Shawn's friends, but Melanie's found herself missing Reagan. Reagan had not been to the apartment since the night Shawn had come by to introduce herself, and Melanie didn't understand Reagan's reluctance. She was pondering this when Shawn plopped down next to her on the couch.

"It's not right for a beautiful woman like you to be upset at one of my parties. What's wrong?"

Melanie cracked a smile as Shawn touched Melanie's hair gently. "Sorry. I was just thinking about Reagan."

"Aw, screw her. She left you alone on a Saturday night for a baseball game. Who needs her?"

Shawn was leaning closer now. Melanie could smell the alcohol pouring off Shawn's's breath. "I need her, Shawn."

"Why? She's an old broad. You need someone younger. Why do you need her? Is she that good?"

"I wouldn't know." Melanie replied solemnly.

"Really? How long you been dating?"

"Two months."

"And you haven't had sex? Damn! Sounds like she's a fucking repressed, old dyke who can't get any! She shouldn't treat you that way, and you shouldn't let her! You need someone who will take care of your needs!"

"You don't know her, Shawn! Don't talk about her like that! I love her!"

"Well, she doesn't treat you right. Sounds like she takes you for granted. I would never treat a woman like you that way."

Melanie's eyes began to glisten as she stated, "We're going to change the subject now, or I'm leaving."

Shawn just rolled her eyes. "It's just infuriating to me that a beautiful woman like you is tied down to a woman like that! I bet the only reason she has you around is because you're young and energetic! She's over the hill and needs you to help her feel young! The woman is probably going through a midlife crisis and wants you to help her through it. Then when it's over, she's going to get her act together, find someone her own age, and leave you to wonder where it all went wrong."

Melanie stood yelling, "I've heard enough, Shawn! I'm leaving!" Melanie stormed out of the apartment.

Everyone glanced at Shawn as one of her friends teased, "What? Did a woman actually turn you down?"

Melanie ran to her apartment in tears. Falling onto the couch, she just wept wondering if there was any truth to Shawn's statements. She didn't know what was going on with Reagan, so Shawn's statement about their being someone else scared her. Melanie didn't see how it could be possible, but then again, Reagan had never acted this way. Could it be true? Could there be someone else? Could Reagan have had enough of her? Melanie quickly tried to put those thoughts out of her mind. Her Reagan wouldn't do that. She just knew Reagan wouldn't, would she? Melanie cried harder until finally falling asleep due to exhaustion.

The next morning Melanie was just moping on the couch when there was a knock on the door. She went to answer it and saw Shawn standing there holding a blanket, book, and headphones.

"Hey." Melanie mumbled.

"Hi. I just wanted to come by and apologize for last night. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I just thought it wasn't cool of your girlfriend to leave you on a Saturday night, but it really wasn't any of my business anyway. It's just that when I get drunk, I find myself becoming brutally honest sometimes. It wasn't my place to say the things I did, so I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You weren't completely out of line."

"Why? What happened?" Shawn asked matching Melanie's tone.

"Oh, I talked to Reagan earlier. I asked her to come over, but she said she couldn't, because she was going to play racquetball. I haven't seen her in a week, and every time we talk she's got an excuse of why she can't come see me. I don't know what's going on anymore. I used to be able to read her, but it's impossible now, except to say that something is really wrong. I just wish she'd talk to me."

"Well, I'll tell you what. Instead of sulking around here, why don't you come with me down to the Circle? I've got a blanket, book, and music. Come on. It'll get your mind off of Reagan."

"Okay. That sounds like fun. Just let me get my shoes."

Later that afternoon Reagan decided she should go see Melanie regardless of Sarah, so she drove over to their apartment. However, being a Sunday afternoon traffic was horrible. She had to park several blocks from their place. As she walked toward Melanie and Sarah's she looked at all the people in the Circle. She saw Shawn lying on a blanket propped up on her elbow looking down on a brunette, one that looked similar to Melanie from a distance Reagan thought. Reagan dismissed the thought, though, seeing how animated and alive Shawn looked and the way Shawn held the woman around the waist. Reagan figured she had just gotten a new girlfriend. Reagan was about to stop but decided tending to Melanie was more important at the moment.

When Reagan got to the apartment, she unlocked the door. "Hello? Anyone home?" she called walking into the living room. No one answered. "Melanie? Sarah?"

Since no one answered she crashed onto the couch being so tired and fell asleep soon after. Sarah came in a bit later and saw Reagan asleep. Going to her Sarah knelt by the couch. She brushed some of Reagan's sweaty hair off her face before leaning to kiss her cheek.

Reagan stirred. "Melanie." she mumbled turning her head towards Sarah's face. Their lips met, and Sarah wasted no time but slipped her tongue into Reagan's mouth. Reagan became fully aware at that moment even though here eyes were still closed. Upon a quick inspection with Reagan's exploratory tongue, she realized that it wasn't Melanie and opened her eyes. Seeing Sarah Reagan jerked away and scrambled into a sitting position. "Sarah! What are you doing?"

"Giving you what you deserve. I don't think it's fair that Melanie is off running around with Shawn while you sit here waiting for her. You deserve better, a woman who will satisfy your every desire, a woman who will be faithful."

Sarah moved next to Reagan on the couch causing Reagan to retreat into the couch's corner. "You and Melanie are supposed to be friends! Why did you do that?"

"I just told you why. You didn't seem to mind too much."

"I thought you were Melanie at first."

"Don't lie. You knew it wasn't her. How could you not know?"

Reagan thought about seeing Shawn and Melanie in the Circle. Reagan was off in her thoughts so much that she didn't notice Sarah's arms sliding around her waist.

"I'm sorry, Reagan. I wish I wasn't the one to tell you."

"They're just friends. Melanie wouldn't do that." Reagan said, but it was really more in an effort to convince herself.

Sarah brought Reagan's body closer to hers. Reagan closed her eyes trying to hold back confused tears. Nuzzling into Reagan's neck, Sarah whispered "It'll be okay."

Reagan felt so drained suddenly, so much so that she began to close her eyes. She became faintly aware of Sarah's lips on her neck, but Reagan made no effort to move away and just sat there in confusion. Sarah tilted Reagan's head up by the chin and kissed her softly on the mouth. Reagan allowed her to do so, not really caring to fight until the door opened.

Melanie and Shawn entered the living room to see Sarah and Reagan embraced, and Sarah caressing Reagan's jaw. Reagan jumped up awkwardly seeing Melanie. "Reagan, I thought you weren't coming over. How long have you been here?" Melanie asked with some suspicion.

"About half an hour." she answered, her eyes meeting Shawn's. Reagan knew Shawn sensed what had taken place. "I need to go." Reagan stated making a move toward the door.

"No. You just got here. Don't leave." Melanie said reaching out for her.

"No. I don't want to be in the way. You and Shawn obviously have plans."

"Reagan, what's wrong with you?" Melanie asked seeing Reagan's bizarre behavior. However Reagan didn't answer as she walked out. Melanie looked at Sarah and inquired with a firm voice, "What happened?"

Shawn excused herself saying she was going to her place, but once she was out of the apartment, she ran after Reagan. She grabbed her by the arm yelling, "I could kill you, Reagan!" Reagan shoved Shawn's hand away and kept walking, so Shawn grabbed her again. Reagan pushed her off a second time and turned to face her.

"Don't speak to me, Shawn! I have nothing to say to you!"

"Well, I've got something to say to you! How could you treat Melanie that way? You treat her like shit and then make moves on her best friend! You're a bitch! Melanie deserves so much better!"

"Like you I suppose! I see you've wasted little time moving in when you had the chance! Well, if you want her so much, just say so! I wish she wouldn't have gone behind my back!"

"What are you talking about? Melanie and I are just friends."

"Well, according to Sarah you're more! I saw you two today in the Circle."

"Reagan, I swear I would never make moves on someone else's girlfriend. She loves you. She made that very clear. She's been upset that you haven't been around, and I was just trying to make her feel better."

"I haven't been around because of Sarah. It had nothing to do with Melanie. I wish she'd understand that."

"She doesn't know, Reagan. What's up with you and Sarah?"

"She's been making moves on me, so I just decided not to be around her."

"Sounds like she's trying to steal you from Melanie by saying I've taken Melanie from you. She's scamming you."

Reagan gave a disgusted groan. "Damn! How could I be so blind? How could I fall for that?"

"I bet you she's upstairs right now telling Melanie that you made a move on her." Reagan brought her hands to her face. "Why don't you just go back up there and explain things to her?" Shawn suggested. "If it's really the truth, that is."

"It is the truth! It wouldn't do any good, though. Regardless of who made moves on who, I never stopped her. I allowed Sarah to come on to me. I never said no to her advances. Allowing it to happen makes me just as guilty."

"That's not necessarily true. She had you at your weakest moment, when you thought Melanie was cheating on you."

"No, it's no use. I've lost her. She'd never believe me over Sarah, anyway. For goodness sakes, Sarah is her best friend. Of course, she'd believe her." Reagan mumbled starting to walk away again, but this time Shawn just let her leave conceding Reagan's position.

Reagan went to bed that night frustrated and confused. Her bed seemed too large, and she longed for Melanie to be lying next to her. Finally not being able to handle it, she broke down and called her. However, Sarah answered the phone. "Sarah, it's Reagan. I want to talk to Melanie."

"Oh, well, she's over at Shawn's right now."

"Well, go get her. I'll wait."

"I don't think she really wants to talk to you after the way you acted today."

"I don't care! You put her on the phone now!" Reagan was losing her patience.

"Okay. I'll go get her."

When Melanie got on the phone, she sounded upset. "What do you want, Reagan?"

"Honey, I'm sorry about today, and for the past week as well. I have been avoiding your place lately because of Sarah. She's been coming on to me, so I thought it was best to just stay away, but in doing so, it's caused us problems. I just wanted to tell you I was sorry."

"Reagan, I wish I could believe that, but she told me a different story. She said you were the one making the moves. She said you kissed her today."

Reagan was silent before saying, "Let me explain what happened."

"So it's true." mumbled Melanie.

"Melanie, let me explain. It wasn't like that at all. Melanie, I love you. I would never cheat on you."

"Then why did you kiss my best friend?" Melanie asked choking on tears.

"I didn't kiss her. I was taking a nap on the couch and woke up to her on top of me with her tongue in my mouth. She kissed me while I was sleeping, and when I awoke, I pulled away immediately. That's what happened."

"You expect me to believe that? Reagan, Sarah and I have been friends for four years. She wouldn't do that to me, and she wouldn't lie to me either."

"And you think I would cheat and lie? Fine. I can't make you believe me. Why don't you just go back to Shawn then? I'll leave you alone, so you can get on with that relationship. It's obvious that she is more than happy to fulfill your needs. Good bye, Melanie." Reagan stated hopelessly before hanging up the phone.

Melanie gently hung up her phone before going back to Shawn's in tears. "What's wrong?" Shawn asked.

"I think Reagan just broke up with me." Melanie answered falling onto the couch.

Shawn embraced her. "Why? Did she give you a reason?"

"What am I going to do, Shawn? I love her. I just don't know who to believe. Sarah's my best friend. Why would she lie to me? Of course, why would Reagan cheat?"

Shawn stroked Melanie's hair as she contemplated her options. If she ever wanted a chance with Melanie, it would be the perfect time, but Shawn decided not to manipulate the situation more than it already had been by Sarah. She would feel guilty for the rest of her life to take advantage of Melanie's confused state, so she just sat in silence. "Look, Melanie." she finally said. "It wouldn't be right to sit here and withhold information from you. Reagan told me what happened, and she feels terrible."

"What did she say?"

"She said that Sarah had been coming on to her, so she was avoiding your place. She feels bad that she never gave Sarah a firm no. She said because she allowed Sarah to continue, she was just as guilty. Reagan was in hopeless tears, and I couldn't convince her to talk to you, because she said you'd never believe her over Sarah anyway."

"When did you talk to her?"

"Today as she left. I must admit, I followed her out of the building, because I was angry that she had treated you that way. I was being a bit immature I guess, but I was mad. I started yelling at her, but when I saw her face I knew Sarah had misled her. Sarah manipulated her into thinking that you and I had something going on, and then when Reagan was at her weakest, Sarah took advantage of that."

"So that's what Reagan was referring to. She referred to the fact that she thought you and I had something. I just can't believe this. Why would Sarah do this to me? She's ruined my relationship with Reagan. I can't go back to that apartment. I can't face her right now."

"Well, you can always crash here if you want."

Melanie smiled up at Shawn replying, "Thanks. You're sweet."

Reagan went to work the next day feeling as if all was lost. It felt like that dark, snowy night when she and her parent were on their way home from dinner. Reagan was in the back seat listening to her parents as she began to think if she would ever be in such a loving relationship. Her father took his eyes from the road to gaze fondly upon her mother, and neither of them saw the car skidding out of control into them. In an instant their lives were lost, taken before she could even say a proper farewell. It had been an all-consuming emptiness, and the void had returned.

Reagan just sat in her chair trying to repress her emotions, but when she ran across a note in Melanie's handwriting as she straightened her desk, she lost control breaking down into tears. Things just seemed to be too overwhelming as she was forced to face the loss of her parent's passing and Melanie's absence.

Rob called that morning to see if she could go to lunch, but when he heard her voice, he knew something was wrong with Melanie. He asked what happened, and Reagan did her best to explain, but Rob sensed she was playing her emotions down. "So are you two still together or did you break up?" Rob inquired trying to clarify.

"I can't be with her if she doesn't believe me. She took Sarah's word over mine, so it's over. She chose that."

"Well, what can I do to make you feel better? I know this woman at work. I could set you up with her if you want. Her name is Victoria. She's really cute, and well, more your age than Melanie. No offense of course."

"Rob, thanks, but I don't think that's a good idea. I'm not interested in getting involved again."

"Okay, be that way. How about some lunch then?"

When Reagan met him for lunch he was already seated, but there was a woman with him. Reagan knew who it was instantly, and she cursed Rob out in her mind as she walked to the table. However she did notice that Rob's description didn't do this woman justice. She was beautiful with long, flowing red hair and green eyes. Reagan shot Rob a glare before introducing herself to Victoria. Even though she did feel set up, Reagan found lunch enjoyable with both of them.

That evening as she drove home form work, Rob called her again. "You're not going to kill me, are you?" he inquired.

"I should. I told you I didn't want to be set up."

"I know, but I thought if you just saw her, you might change your mind. I thought lunch would be a casual way to meet with no pressure. So what did you think? Are you interested?"

"Rob, she was great, but I'm not interested in dating right now."

"Well, what if she hung out with us, so you could get to know her better? Would you mind that?"

"No, I wouldn't mind, but I'm telling you I'm not interested. You understand that, don't you?"

"Yeah, I got it, Reagan. It's just too bad, because I think she's interested in you. We talked about you all the way back to the office."

Over the next few days Melanie stayed with Shawn. She didn't want to face Sarah and only went to their apartment to get clothes or food when she knew Sarah was gone. She had no idea that Reagan had called several times, because Sarah never left her any messages until one afternoon. Melanie was in the apartment and noticed there were messages on the machine. She pressed play out of curiosity since technically she still lived there.

"Sarah, this is Reagan. I'm assuming that since Melanie is never there when I call, she's not living there anymore, or she really doesn't want to talk to me. Either way would you please tell her that I'll be by in the next few days to collect my things and drop off my key."

Going back to Shawn's, Melanie told her that Sarah was now keeping messages from her. "I can't live with her anymore! She's ruined everything with Reagan! I can't trust her, because she's lying to me! I don't know what to do! I can't afford to live alone, but I can't stay with her!"

"Hey. It'll be okay. You know you can always stay here for awhile until you figure things out."

"Thanks, Shawn. You're too good to me."

Shawn shrugged. "You need someone to look out for you until Reagan returns. It might as well be me."

"Reagan's not coming back. I should've believed her."

"Oh, I think she'll come back."

"You don't know her like I do. She's hard-headed and doesn't deal with confrontation if emotions are involved."

"You've got to get her back then. If you want her, go after her."

"I think I might when she comes over to get her stuff. It might be my last chance."

"Good. I think you should. You've got to try to work things out."

"You're right." Melanie stated deciding that she would indeed give it one more shot.

That Saturday afternoon Rob invited Reagan over for a barbeque at his place, but Reagan knew it was his excuse to get her together with Victoria again. Nevertheless she accepted his invitation. When she arrived Rob's friends were all trying to converse with Victoria, staring at her like she was a new toy.

"Hey guys." Reagan greeted them, but they only mumbled in return without turning to her. Victoria however, looked directly at Reagan and stood. Reagan's eyes perused Victoria's body, seeing why the guys were drooling. She had on a form-fitting, low-cut tank top, the perfect shade of green to match her eyes. Her khaki shorts just covered her, accentuating her alluring legs. Her red hair was pulled over her shoulder.

"Hey, Reagan." She smiled brightly feeling Reagan's eyes appreciating her figure. Realizing her mouth had fallen open slightly, Reagan quickly said, "Hi, Victoria."

For the most part everyone just watched the baseball game, but Reagan's mind drifted to Melanie. She had to get her things. However she dreaded going alone, so she asked Rob if he would go with her.

"Oh Reagan, you know I would if I could, but I really can't. The guys and I are going to a club to scam on girls. You want to come?"

Reagan shook her head. "No, I really have to go to Melanie's. I just don't want to have to go alone. I'm afraid to be alone with Sarah. She makes me uncomfortable."

A moment went by before Victoria mentioned, "I'll go if you'd like." Reagan gave a surprised look but since she was the only volunteer, Reagan agreed.

When Reagan and Victoria arrived at Melanie and Sarah's apartment, Reagan took a deep breath before knocking. Sarah answered the door. "Well, hello stranger. Who's your friend?" Reagan didn't give any reply but asked, "Where's Melanie?" Sarah gestured them in and they walked into the living room Reagan heard commotion in Melanie's bedroom and then Shawn appeared carrying a box. Seeing Shawn walk out the door, Reagan turned to Sarah asking, "What's going on?"

"Melanie's moving in with Shawn."

Suddenly feeling her heart drop into the abysmal pit of her stomach, Reagan leaned into Victoria, who wrapped an arm around her for support. Before Reagan could respond, Melanie came out of her bedroom. Everyone became awkwardly silent as Reagan and Melanie exchanged glances. Melanie noticed the way Victoria was holding on to Reagan like a life preserver, a gesture Melanie mistook for insecurity on Victoria's part. Melanie was fighting back her tears.

"I came for my things." Reagan finally stated.

Melanie nodded disappearing into her room, momentarily reappearing with a box, which she was holding as if her most valued possession was inside. She extended it to Reagan. Reagan took it, peering in to see all the clothes had been pressed and folded into neat squares.

By this time Shawn had come back from her place demanding an introduction to Victoria, which Reagan quickly gave before returning her attentions to Melanie. Their eyes just stayed locked in their hurt stares. Regan could feel her throat tighten realizing that this was the end. All she wanted to do was to grab Melanie and pull her close once more time, but thinking that she had forced Melanie into Shawn's arms, she just gazed at Melanie with hopelessness. As Melanie gazed at her love, her Reagan, she sensed that Reagan was finished with her, just as Shawn had predicted and had moved on to a woman more her own age. Realizing this made Melanie painfully speechless.

"Well, I guess I'll be on my way then." feebly Reagan said clutching her box tighter.

When Reagan and Victoria got out to the car, Reagan was silent. "Are you okay?" Victoria inquired sympathetically seeing Reagan struggle to get the key in the car door.

"I'm fine." lied Reagan. "I should take you home now. I'm sure you've got better things to do than to hang around me right now. I'm afraid I'm not in a sociable mood."

"That's okay. I understand. I'll tell you what. Why don't we got back to my house and I'll fix dinner for us."

"Oh, I don't know. I don't want to put you out."

"Reagan, it's not a problem. I'd love to cook you dinner. You have to eat, so you might as well agree." With that Reagan backed down and nodded.

Back at Victoria house, Reagan found herself explaining her relationship with Melanie from the car accident until the incident with Sarah. Victoria seemed to lend a sympathetic ear as she made dinner, but as they sat, Reagan found herself at a cozy, candle light table, which made Reagan retreat into uncomfortable silence. Things had shifted into a more intimate atmosphere, one Reagan wasn't sure she wanted to be in at the moment, so they ate quietly.

Refilling Reagan's wine glass Victoria inquired, "Would you mind if I made an observation about Melanie?" Reagan shrugged, so Victoria continued. "She still seems to love you, and I can tell you love her."

"She doesn't trust me, though. I can't have a relationship with someone who doesn't trust me."

"So, you've decided to move on. Does that mean you're going to be open to dating again soon?"

"I don't think so. I'm not interested in that kind of stuff anymore. I did fine before my relationship with her, and I'll be fine now."

"Well, that's too bad. An amazing yet unavailable woman like you is a great loss to the dating pool. So tell me. Is your friend Shawn single? She's really cute."

"I'm under the assumption that she and Melanie are together now."

"You think so? I didn't get those vibes at all. I didn't see any chemistry there, not the way I saw it between you and Melanie. They aren't together."

Over the course of the evening, Victoria and Reagan enjoyed each other's company while finishing off two bottles of wine. They had moved to the couch to watch a movie, and as the night progressed they became more physical with each other. The mild physical attraction they felt toward each other became more obvious as they held each other closely on the couch. Reagan was feeling a bit intoxicated and adventurous as she gazed at Victoria's inviting neck. Leaning to it Reagan took in the scent of her hair. Victoria didn't say anything at first, allowing Reagan to continue until Reagan kissed it softly. Victoria smiled pleasantly as she shrugged Reagan's head away from her neck.

"What's wrong?" Reagan asked looking up at Victoria with heavy eyes.

"Nothing. You look tired. Why don't we go to bed? It's been an long day for you." Victoria suggested standing. She extended her hand, which Reagan took, and they went back to her bedroom.

Upon entering the room, Reagan saw the queen size bed and it struck her that they would be sharing it. Suddenly her daring mood shifted into reservation again. Victoria offered her something to sleep in, but she declined saying she'd sleep in her clothes. Reagan then became a bit more uneasy when she saw Victoria come out of her bathroom in a silk black chemise.

When they got into bed, Reagan immediately turned on her side away from Victoria. A few minutes passed before she felt Victoria's body brush up against hers as Victoria's hand came to rest on Reagan's shoulder. "Reagan, are you asleep?"

"No."

"Then what are you thinking about?"

"You."

"Me? What about me?" Victoria asked in surprise.

"I was wondering if you were going to make a move on me or not."

"Oh. I didn't think you did by the way you turned over. Did you want me to?"

"No. I just haven't been in bed with a woman other than Melanie. It seems strange."

"Well, that's what I figured. I don't cross boundaries like that. I just wanted to cuddle with you." Reagan turned over on her back to allow Victoria to nuzzle into her chest, and they fell asleep.

Continued in Part 6

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