Allie tried to look away but couldnat. She was fascinated. Toni was sporting a very s.e.xy grin as she whispered something in the womanas ear. The woman closed her eyes, and Allie could almost hear her groan as she leaned into Tonias body.

Toni set the pool cue down and pulled the woman into her arms. Allie now couldnat look away even if she wanted to, which for some reason, she did not.

They were alone in the corner. Toni kissed the woman deeply, and Allieas mouth went dry as Toni slipped her thigh between the womanas legs. Toni gently rocked into her, and Allie swore she could feel the woman shiver. Well, good Lord, Allie thought.

Then, Toni quickly backed the woman up against the wall and held her hands above her head with one hand. Toni, her back now to Allie, lowered her head to the womanas neck. Allie swayed slightly and blinked as she watched Toni slowly, sensually move her hips into the limp woman. She then saw Tonias hand slip under the sweater and hold the womanas breast. Allie would attest to anyone she actually felt Tonias warm hand on her breast.

She was so aroused she didnat know what to do or where to look. Okay, s.h.i.t or go blind, s.h.i.t or go blinda"she repeated it like a mantra. Now she knew what that saying meant. She quickly slid off the barstool on shaky legs.

aRestrooms?a she asked in a squeaky voice.

As she splashed cold water on her face, Allie took a deep quivering breath. Good Christ, that was steamy. She looked at the other women in the bathroom. There were two kissing in the corner. She absently watched as she washed her hands. The tingling sensation rippled through her body. She thought about the fantasy of a month earlier, she visualized Tonia Just then, two more young women walked in the bathroom, holding on to each other and kissing. Allie looked around. Is there something about this bathroom? Shaking her head and tossing the paper towel in the basket, she headed back to the table. aI wanna go home.a As she hurried out the door, she ran into a brick wall. Oh, G.o.d, please no, she begged. He wasnat listening, or He was laughing too much.

aWhoa, sweetheart,a the familiar voice cooed.

The arms wrapped around her shoulders, and for an instant, Allie leaned into it.

aYou all right, miss?a Tonias soft voice asked in the dark hallway.

Allie looked up, and Tonias eyebrows shot to the top of her head. as.h.i.t!a Her voice came out in a shrill squeak.

aHi,a Allie offered weakly.

Toni was still holding on to her and staring like a deer caught in the headlights. as.h.i.t!a aUm, you already said that.a Allie bit her bottom lip.

aAlana? What theas.h.i.t?a As if she just realized she was holding Allie, she dropped her hands to her side. aMy G.o.d, I think Iam having a stroke.a Allie sported a sheepish shrug. Toni swallowed, trying to compose herself. aWhataa She stopped and took a long breath and let it out slowly. aWhat are you doing here?a she asked quickly and looked around. She took Alana by the elbow and led her to the jukebox in the corner.

aIaWell, Vickyaa she started.

Toni frowned deeply. aVicky? What are you doing?a she asked again, this time more firmly.

Allie heard the accusatory tone. She bristled instantly. aJust what do you mean?a Toni glared down at her. aVicky comes here for one reason. Iave seen her. Now youare here.a Allieas mouth dropped. aHow dare you! Get that tone out of your voice. We came in here for a drinkaa Toni rolled her eyes and snorted.

aDonat get sanctimonious with me, OaHara. I came in here innocently because of Vicky. Youare the one having s.e.x in a public place. Geez! Why didnat you just strip her and take her on the pool table?a Allie cursed the vivid mental picture that flashed through her mind.

Toni was seething with anger. aGet out of here and go home,a she ordered through clenched teeth.

Allie saw red. aDonat you dare tell me what to do. Iam a grown woman,a she said just as angrily.

Toni rolled her eyes and grabbed her elbow. Allie yanked it away, and in doing so, she caught Toni on the cheek with her ring.

Toni stifled the cry of pain as she went reeling into the jukebox. Her hand went to her cheek as Allie saw the trickle of blood.

aOh, G.o.d.a Allie reached for her.

as.h.i.t, Alana,a Toni whined as the tears stung her eyes. aGeez, Iam bleeding!a aOh, you big baby. Come in the bathroom,a she ordered and pushed Toni through the door.

Toni was blinking and bleeding as Allie gently pushed her against the counter. She took a few paper towels and ran them under the cold water.

A few women walked in and laughed. aThatas it, sweetie. OaHara likes it rough.a They laughed and walked out.

Toni glared at the retreating figures.

aFriends?a Allie placed the wet towel on her cheek, just below her eye.

aNo,a Toni said quickly.

Allie said nothing as she held the towel in place.

Toni looked at her. aSorry,a she mumbled. Allie grunted but said nothing. aIam sorry,a she insisted.

aOkay, youare sorry.a Allie was unaware that she was standing between Tonias legs as Toni sat on the counter. Toni had her hands resting on her thighs, and when Allie pressed the wet cloth to her injured cheek, Toni jumped, her hands instinctively moving to Allieas hips.

aHold still.a Toni obeyed and just looked at Allie. aI really am sorry. I had no right. You just floored me. Never in a million years did I expect to see you in a gay bar.a Before Allie could responda aWhat the h.e.l.l is going on?a Toni leaned to the side, and her eyes widened in horror.

Allie looked over her shoulder at the woman Toni had been fondling moments before.

aGet your hands off her hips!a the woman roared.

aMy handsa? Oh, s.h.i.t!a Toni removed her hands from Allieas full hips quickly. She pushed Allie away and slid off the counter.

Allie took the b.l.o.o.d.y towel away. aYouare still bleeding, sugar,a Allie cooed and batted her eyelashes. Toni shot her a look of horror.

aSugar?a the woman screamed.

It was then Allie noticed how young the woman was. That was the second woman Toni was with who looked like she just got out of college.

aMandy, donat jump to conclusions. Alana is an old friendaa Allie snorted as she washed her hands. Toni glared at Allie for an instant, then chuckled. Allie shot a look at Toni and couldnat help it, she started laughing, as well. It was an odd situation, Allie had to admit.

aToni OaHara, you can go straight to h.e.l.l,a Mandy said.

aAs Iam sure I will. Iall save you a seat,a Toni said, her lips twitching.

Mandy turned on her heels and marched out. They stopped laughing and stood there in awkward silence.

aIt stopped bleeding. I think youall live,a Allie said, breaking the silence.

aThanks.a Toni chuckled and gingerly felt her cheek. aSo, um, just what did you see out there?a Allie enjoyed the squirming posture. aEnough,a she said and looked into the gray eyes.

Toni grimaced and shook her head. aWell, I deserve this. Iam sorry I accused you. I know youad never do what Vicky does. Iam not judging her. I just know youare not like that, and when I saw you and you mentioned her, Ia"a aGot all manly on my a.s.s.a Allie tried to sound tough.

Toni now turned so red Allie almost laughed openly. Toni only nodded and ran her fingers through her hair. aBoy, that just doesnat sound right coming from an art teacher.a Allie laughed quietly as did Toni.

aIad better get back,a Allie said.

aYou go ahead. Iall wait here for a bit.a aWhy?a aI donat want them thinking youaI mean, you donat need any gossip.a Allie smiled affectionately and placed her hand on Tonias arm. aThanks, Sir Galahad, but Iam a grown woman, and I donat care about gossip. Youare my friend,a she said firmly. aWeall go out together. Donat ever feel like you have to sneak around or hide. Donat ever do that. Not for me or anyone.a Toni gazed at her for a moment. aThanks. Youare a good friend,a she said and opened the door. As Allie walked by, Toni whispered, aWith a wicked left.a Allie barked out her laugh as they walked back to the bar. Vicky and Rita nearly fainted as they walked up to them.

aW-well, Toni. How are you?a Vicky looked from her to Allie and back again.

aIam doing well, Vicky. How are you? Howas Mike?a Toni hailed the bartender and ordered another round.

aHeas well. The kids are good. We were just Christmas shopping.a Allie smirked at the nervous tone in Vickyas voice.

Toni nodded and laughed quietly when she noticed Rita gawking. Vicky nudged Rita in the ribs, nearly knocking her into another woman.

aOh. Hi, Toni,a Rita said. aNice place.a Allie sipped her gin and tonic. What an odd day, Allie thought. From Christmas shopping to a lesbian bar. Oh, well.

aA penny for your thoughts.a Toni leaned into her.

Allie laughed. aI was just thinking how my life has changed since I met you.a Toni raised an eyebrow and took a drink of her beer. aBadly?a she asked tentatively.

aG.o.d, no. For the better,a she blurted out.

Toni blinked in surprise. aWell, thatas good to know. Though Iam not sure Paul would agree.a aWell, Paul doesnat agree to much these days. And I donat know what to do about that.a aI caught a little of what you and Mrs. W. were talking about. Do you think a counselor might help?a Toni leaned on the bar.

Allie thought about it. aI donat know. It couldnat hurt, I suppose. I just canat see Paul talking to a perfect stranger about our problems.a She looked at Toni, who looked deep in thought. aThank you, OaHara.a Toni smiled. aWhat for?a aFor being a good friend when I needed it.a aYouare quite welcome. Iall try always to be here when you need me.a aThatas a great comfort, and Iam not being overly dramatic when I say that.a In the background, Nat King Cole started singing The Very Thought of You. For a moment, Toni looked like she might ask her to dance. Allie for some reason was sick to her stomach as Toni gazed into her eyes and smiled. aI hope Iam not being out of line, Alana...a Allie laughed nervously. aUnfortunately, it probably will be.a Toni laughed along. aWell, since youare hereaa aToni, dance with me,a a voice came from behind her.

Toni blinked, aOh, no thanks, Sheriaa aOh, come on. I know you love this old s.h.i.t.a Allie watched as the woman pulled Toni out onto the dance floor. As Allie knew she would, Toni danced perfectly to the gentle strains of Nat King Cole.

While Toni danced, she looked over at Allie, who was looking in her eyes. Toni swallowed and maintained eye contact with her throughout the rest of the song.

When it finished, Sheri kissed Toni on the cheek and walked away. Toni, still looking at Allie, walked back to the bar. She said nothing as she took a healthy drink of her dark beer, nearly draining the gla.s.s in one gulp.

Allie watched her but said nothing, as well; she had no idea what to say. Visions of long, long ago flashed through her mind. Scenarios she had long since put to rest, or so she thought. She too took a long drink. aI need to go home,a she said in a quiet voice.

Toni nodded. aI can take you,a she offered and stared at her gla.s.s.

aNo, thank you. Right now, I think I just need some air, and I need toa"a She stopped and laughed nervously. aIam not sure what I need anymore, but I need to get out of here. Good night, Toni.a She didnat wait as she quickly walked out of the bar. Vicky called after her.

aGo with her, Vicky, see that she gets home all right,a Toni said and turned back to the bar.

Chapter 12.

aWell, help me,a Toni said impatiently as she ran her fingers through her hair, wishing she cut it when she thought of it last week. It was getting far too long for her.

Kevin rolled his eyes. aI donat know what your teacher wants for Christmas. Are you even sure you should be buying her something?a aSheas my friend. Friends do things like this for each other,a she said angrily and glanced around the crowded store on South Michigan Avenue. aAt least I think they do. Now sheas an artist, for chrissakes. I want to get her some art stuff. Itas Christmas, and I want her to be happy.a It then caught her eye. Toni slowly walked up to the counter and blinked. aThatas it.a Kevin looked and blinked, as well. aYou canat afford that, and thereas no way you should be even thinking about something like that.a He pointed to the diamond ring.

Toni rolled her eyes. aNot that, you dope. That.a She pointed to the advertis.e.m.e.nt on the counter. aLetas goaa Thirty minutes later, she was grinning like a fool. Kevin chomped on his cigar and shook his head. aSheall like it, right?a Toni asked and stopped grinning. as.h.i.t, what if she doesnat?a Kevin pulled her along. aSheall love it. When are you going to give it to her? Christmas is only a few days away.a aWell, sheas busy with her family, so I donat want to bug her. Besides, Paul doesnat seem thrilled with me. I donat think heas a h.o.m.ophobe, though. He really seems like a good guy. Anyway, Alana doesnat need that during the holidays.a aWhatas he like?a he asked as they walked down the busy holiday street.

aWe only talked for a few minutes in the kitchen, ya know. Jobs, Cubs. But he said something.a aWhat?a Toni laughed at Kevinas rough tone. aNo, not like that. He made a comment on how Allie was a good cook. And I said, yes, Alana was. He questioned me calling her Alana but just said it was a beautiful name. I got the message, though.a aHmm. Jealous husband?a aIam not sure jealous. I think he just wanted to let me know he was still her husband. Ya know, he looked kinda sad. I hope everything is okay between them.a aDo you really?a aYes, I do. Oh, I think Alana is beautiful inside and out, but I really do like her and I donat want to ruin that. I do miss her, though, havenat seen her in a couple weeks. When we talk on the phone, she seems okay. d.a.m.n, I wish I could see her face. I can tell in her eyes if sheas happy.a Kevin gave her a worried glance. aToni,a he started.

Toni heard his worried voice. aYou worry too much,a she said and slapped him on the back. aCamon, letas get some Christmas cheer at Kitty OaSheaas.a Kevin rubbed his hands together. aNow youare talking.a As they strolled down the street, Toni saw Alana coming the opposite way. She grinned and waved. Alana saw her and smiled, as well. Toni then saw Paul, who was scowling and holding boxes. She couldnat blame the poor guy.

aHey there! Christmas shopping?a Alana asked.

aSomething like that.a Toni introduced Kevin to Paul. aWe were just finished and heading for a little cheer, care to join us?a Toni looked from Alana to Paul.

Alana gave Paul a hopeful glance. aWhy donat you go with them?a Paul said. aI have to stop at the office. Iall catch up with you in an hour or so.a aThe office? On a Sunday?a Alana stopped short. aFine.a She looked at Toni. aWhere were you headed?a aKitty OaSheaas, just down the street,a she said. aIn the Hilton.a Paul stood and juggled the boxes. Toni offered her help. aIall take them if you want.a aThanks,a Paul said, and Toni took each box.

aGood grief, what did she buy?a Toni asked.

Paul wiped his forehead. aThe store.a aYou donat have to do that, Toni. We can take them to the car.a Alana glared at Paul.

aItas no problem, really.a Toni glanced at both of them.

aWhy do that?a Paul asked. aItas five blocks away. Iall catch a cab, then meet you at OaSheaas. I know where it is.a aYou do?a Alana asked.

aWeave been there, honey.a He turned to Kevin and shook his hand. aThanks, nice meeting you.a He then kissed Alana on the cheek. aHave fun.a Alana seemed stunned as she watched Paul dash into the street to hail a cab. Quick as that, he was gone. She turned awkwardly back to Toni and Kevin. aWellaa aCamon, Iam thirsty,a Toni said and juggled the boxes. aGood grief, woman, did you really buy the store?a Alana laughed along with Kevin as his phone went off, signaling a text message. He read it while Toni watched him.

aDonat tell me, the department is now texting if thereas a fire,a Toni said.

aKinda. Itas Lidia, umashe wantsaa He stopped.

aOkay, scram. Iall call you later,a Toni said with a wink.

Kevin grinned. aThanks. Gabye, Alana. Keep this goof under control,a he said as he too hailed a cab and was gone.

aAnd then there were two.a Toni looked down into Alanaas green eyes.

aAnd one is stuck carrying all my boxes.a Alana winced apologetically as Toni adjusted her packages.

aThen letas keep moving before I start cramping. OaSheaas is just up ahead.a Alana laughed and walked alongside Toni, who was whistling Christmas carols. aYou seem happy,a Alana said quietly.

Toni looked down and grinned. aI am. I was happy when I saw you.a When Alana looked up at Toni, she stumbled slightly and grabbed for Toni. aBetter hold on to my arm, schoolmarm. The crowds are vicious this holiday season.a Alana laughed and slipped her arm through Tonias. As they continued down Michigan Avenue, Toni stopped in front of the Hilton. aThe baras inside.a They slipped into a quiet booth in the back of the Irish tavern. aThis is nice.a Alana looked around as she slipped off her gloves and blew into her cold hands.

The waitress came up and gave Toni a smile. aWell, h.e.l.lo.a aWell, h.e.l.lo to you, too,a Toni said. aWhatas good for a cold December day?a aA warm bed,a the waitress said as she handed them the menu.

Alana rolled her eyes and cleared her throat. aIall have an Irish coffee, please.a Toni hid her grin in the menu. aIall have a Baileys and coffee, thanks.a aA warm bed,a Allie muttered after the waitress walked away.

aWhat? I thought that was clever,a Toni argued.

aYou would,a Allie said as she examined the menu.

Toni laughed as she watched Alana. It struck her then, for the umpteenth time, how much she liked having this woman in her life. aYouare a good friend.a Alana looked up and smiled. aThanks. I feel the same about you. I-I enjoy our time together.a aMe too.a Toni rested her elbows on the table. aHow are Nick and Jocelyn? Boy, I had such a good time with them at Thanksgiving.a aTheyare coming in on Christmas Eve. They can only stay for a few days.a aWill you tell them I said h.e.l.lo and wish them a Merry Christmas for me?a aI will. They like you, though thatas not hard to understand. Nick talks about you all the time.a Toni laughed. aHeas a fine young man. Jocelyn, how is she doing with school? Sheas almost done.a aSheas doing well. Toniaa She stopped and shook her head.

aWhat?a Toni asked quickly, slipping out of her leather jacket. She looked up to see Alana watching her. aYou can touch it if you like,a she offered the sleeve of her jacket. aThis cost me a pretty penny. I only take it out on special occasions, like a Chicago winter.a aItas very nice. You look good in leather.a She stopped short and looked at Toni, who smiled tentatively. aI justathank you for taking an interest in my children.a aI love your kids. Theyare great. Please donat thank me for doing something so easily as liking your kids.a Toni then took a deep breath and figured now or never. aOkay, I know Christmas is a still few days away, but I-I got you something,a Toni blurted out. She watched Alana, who blinked in surprise.

aYou did?a Toni nodded happily aYep. Want it?a Alana laughed. aOf course.a Toni slipped the envelope out of her breast pocket and held it. aWhen I saw this, I just knew youad like it. G.o.d, I hope I did the right thing.a She smiled and slid it over to her. aMerry Christmas, Alana.a Alana smiled and opened the gilded envelope; she read it and blinked several times. aToni, itasa"a She stopped and read it again. aNew York?a Toni nodded with excitement. aThe Monet exhibit moves from Chicago to New York next summer. During that same time, Van Gogh and some other guy is there, as well. They say itas the chance of a lifetime, and you wonat want to miss it. I guess these guys will never be in the same exhibit again for a long time. Thatas what they say anyway.a She shrugged helplessly. aItas just the cost of the exhibit and the stay at the hotel for a long weekend. It was a package. Sorry, I couldnat get you the airfare. This is something thatas just for you.a When Alana said nothing, she thought the worst. aG.o.d, you hate it. I can take it back, really.a She reached for it, and Alana quickly grabbed her hand. Tonias breath caught in her chest as Alanaas cold hand held hers. aItas perfect,a Alana whispered. aA chance of a lifetimeaa Toni nodded, searching her face. aThatas what they say.a aIall find a way out there. I canat believe youaa Toni was shocked to see tears stream down her face. aWhy are you crying?a aBecause Iam happy.a Alana picked up a napkin and dried her eyes. aThank you. You donat know what this means to me. How did youa?a aI was out with Kevin, and I just saw it. I just knew youad, I donat know.a Mercifully, the waitress came up with their drinks.

aWell, now Iam glad you got me something because I got you something, too,a Alana announced.

Toni grinned like a kid. aYa did?a Alana nodded and examined the boxes.