Disclaimer: All references to "Bad Girls" characters are the property of Shed Productions. I just borrow them because I love them...a lot!
Being under the sign of Cancer, I love the water. With summer still in force and a beach trip as inspiration, I've wrote this for my own pleasure. Hope you enjoy...


Chapter One:

The woman sat alone in the screened porch area. The night was still early as a few stars lit up the evening sky. Off in the distance she could make out the signal lights of passing boats; watching them dance across the water. The tide was gently breaking along the shoreline. She could hear the whispers of the dune grass; gently swaying back and forth. They hummed to a timeless rhythm. Her light shoulder wrap blocked the cooling breeze. She lazily stretched on the cushioned lounger. She felt tired after a full day on the cape. Her muscles were getting sore. She must of walked for miles. It would take her several days to build her legs up to where she felt stronger walking in the sandy expanse.

The dinner wine was finally doing its job. She was sleepy now....time to make her way to bed. She slowly rose and stretched like a langerous feline. Her slim figure appeared dim in the glow of the porch. Glancing one last time at the evening's bleakness, Helen Stewart entered the beach house and locked out the night. A phone ring suddenly broke the silence...

"Hello...," she spoke into the receiver with a soft Scottish dialect.

"Helen...Max here. How are you settling in?"

"Hey, Max. I'm doing fine...." she answered; pausing slightly, "....love the cottage. It feels cosy and I've got everything I need for a nice stay. I really appreciate both of you inviting me here. How's Joyce?"

The beach house belonged to Max and Joyce Weston. It was actually the first real estate they had bought shortly after marrying some thirty-two years ago. Years past and as their business and family grew, they invested in a larger two-story cape house about a mile south. Max had told her they just couldn't bear to part with the smaller house; for sentimental reasons. They entrusted it for family use and extended guest invitations to friends.

Helen listened intently as her boss began to relay that his wife had dragged him off his boat today for a shopping adventure and how she was the only one who came back with a load of "treasure". Helen smiled as he talked on. How nice his tone sounded as he spoke affectionately about his wife over the phone. An ache crept into her chest. She thought of Sean...why, ..oh,why couldn't things have worked out... The caller's voice brought her back to the present..."Helen, you still there? Joyce wouldn't let me call any earlier; said you'd probably want some time to yourself. Hope you're doing okay, Helen?" The reason I called was to invite you to our place tomorrow night for a housewarming party. We'd really like you to come. It's been over six months since Joyce and I have last been here and we'd like to invite our neighbors over for a get-together. Just a small gathering; nothing fancy..."

"Yeah, I'd like to drop by. What time should I arrive?"

"Great! It's an after dinner social. People will start drifting in around eight. Joyce will be glad to see you." Helen could hear the relief in his voice. "Don't bring a thing... just yourself." They exchanged goodnights and Helen put the receiver down. She really didn't want to think about the party; but she couldn't see refusing Max's invitation. They had been kind to her and she needed to be hospitable. After all...she was scheduled to stay two weeks at the beach house. Hopefully, that would be enough time to think about her future.

It was half past seven the next evening and Helen was busy getting ready for the party. She had dressed in a flowery skirt and light blue top. The clothes were light, and breezy. She needed to feel comfortable tonight. She really wasn't looking forward to sitting around strange people, having to make small talk and answer inquiring questions. She knew it was just nervous tension. Time would be her healer. Since Max only lived a mile down the beach, Helen took off walking. A full-moon was in cycle and there should be plenty of moonlight later to help guide her back.

Helen made her way along the dunes and out into the open sand. She carried her tan sandals as she walked along. It was a pleasant evening. The sun was descending over the water in beautiful hues of blues, violets, and creams adorning the horizon. She made her way down the coast. She wasn't aware that she was attracting some admiring glances from passerbys. With her slim figure and feminine clothes she was a pleasing sight. She pushed her dark blonde hair behind one ear to keep it in place as she walked along.

She passed several couples along her way. They were either holding hands or hugged up close. There was a family of five that passed. The man in the group was tossing a football with the largest boy along the shoreline. A woman walked along holding the hand of the youngest child. The other child, a girl of about six, was gripping a sand pail in search of shells. Helen felt a sudden ache watching the family. What she would give to have that...her own family. Maybe one day....but, not now. Her breakup from Sean was too fresh; too close to the surface. His infidelity had hit her hard; and finding out there was more than one girlfriend had shaken her to the core. Their three year relationship had meant little to him. How could she have been so blind? Helen remembered those early days after the fact. She had went into work mode; pouring herself into her job. One week of her maniac pace was enough for Max to firmly tell her to go home and rest. She was instructed not to come back until she had enough time to think about her situation rationally. In fact, he knew just what she needed. That evening, Joyce had phoned her offering the use of the beach house. They would not take no for an answer. And here she was...in no mood to socialize

Nice new story, N.

I can't wait to read more. Love the beach! :)

Helen will soon forget about Sean once a certain tall, dark and beautiful woman makes her acquaintance - I hope :D

:wub: Great start looking forward to the party. :hug2

BGs, enjoy the party...
Chapter Two:

Helen was exhausted. Mingling with guests for almost two hours was grating on her nerves. Joyce must of introduced her to every Tom, Dick, and Harry's wife on the island. If she had to explain to another person what her job was at Weston Publishing, she was going to scream. She hurriedly claimed a glass of champagne from the passing waiter. The large wraparound porch was inviting; she just wanted to find a chair and sit down. Time to make an escape.

Helen made her way out to the beach entrance and onto the porch. Several guests were on the left side of the porch or lounging out along the expansive lawn. She walked over to the right corner where it was dimmer; giving one more privacy. This side seemed to be empty. She headed for the nearest table. Easing down into the chair, Helen took a sip of champagne and let out a long sign. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the relieving feeling of getting off her feet.

"Nice, isn't it?" a husky voice came out of nowhere. Helen jerked around towards the voice.

"W-What..." she stammered. She had thought she was alone.

"Sorry...didn't mean to startle you," the voice apologized.

Helen peered through the dark looking for the phantom person with the husky voice. As her eyes adjusted to their surroundings, she could make out a figure resting against the window recess; half hid in the dark. The person held a cigarette in their hand. They moved it up to take a draw; the tip glowed brightly.

"That's okay...I just assumed no one was on this side," Helen answered. "My mistake..."

"Would you like to be alone?"

Helen was surprised at the question from the stranger. The voice was low, but, she was sure it belonged to a woman. She replied lightly, "I must admit I did come out to escape the "inquiring" minds. After answering questions for ever, I needed a break. You must be the only person I've not met."

The stranger stood up from her perch and slowly moved towards the adjoining table and chair. She bent down to stub her cigarette out. Helen noticed her long slender hand. The woman was definitely tall; she seemed to tower over Helen from her position. Her pants and shirt were a light color and emphasized her dark features. Helen stood up to gain some sense of space.

"I know what you mean...had to have a fag. I'm sure most of them are just curious. They're mainly harmless..." she continued, "...do I detect a Scottish accent?"

"Yes. I'm from Stirling, born and breed," she replied proudly. " And you are... English?"

"Right on...down South a bit. Just in the states for a few weeks..on business." The woman finally came out of the shadowed area. She extended her hand in greeting. "Hiya...Nikki Wade."

Helen scanned the woman's face. Her hair was jet black and her face looked tan. Her eyes were dark; possibly brown. She had pronounced cheekbones, shapely lips, and her skin appeared smooth. She was probably closer to thirty than forty. Helen could honesty say the woman was beautiful. Nikki Wade? Wade...now where had she heard that name?

"Uh..Helen Stewart." she finally extended her hand in return. The woman took her hand in a light handshake. Her grip seemed to overwhelm her; sending a tingling feeling through her arm. It felt like a faint caress. Helen brought her hand down.

"Nice to meet you, Helen. You didn't answer my question?" Nikki cocked her head to the side just alittle and smiled; waiting on Helen's reply.

"Uh, Nice to meet you, too," she replied. "It wouldn't be right of me to say "yes" to your question given the fact that you were here first. So, to be fair, you are the one who must answer the question. Nikki, do you want to be along?"

Nikki laughed. "Not now. I took care of my immediate need for some nicotine and now I've met a georgous woman. Why would I want to be alone ?"

Helen's cheeks turned darker. Did she hear that right? They both looked at each other...Helen was the first one to laugh the tension off. She must be figuring wrong. "Uh, well...thank you for the compliment."

Nikki looked her squarely in the eyes and smiled, "My pleasure. Sorry for the bluntness...I find the truth is generally best when I fancy someone."

Helen gave the dark-haired woman a puzzling look. "I see..." Yeah, she seen alright. Nikki's words were definitely an eye opener. She had meant to hit on her. Where was her chair? She needed to sit down.

"Sorry...did I shock you?" she asked; sitting down in the chair adjacent Helen.

Helen had to shake herself for a second. Now this was something she hadn't anticipated. How did she reply? She'd never been in this situation before and she couldn't believe she was having this conversation; especially with a woman. But...there was something about this person that Helen did appreciate...her honesty. A complete stranger was being more honest with her than her late fiancee had been in...who knew how long. It hit some nerve within her. That was the real shock.

"I'd be lying if I said no," laughed Helen, "...but, I must say I'm not inclined that way."

"Too bad...," replied Nikki. She started to light another cigarette. "Do you mind?"

"No, go ahead. It doesn't bother me"

"Wow! You're a welcome exception." Nikki sounded genuinely surprised. "Seems you can't go nowhere in this bloody country without someone objecting to something...Uh, no offense intended. Are you planning to make this home or just a transplant?"

"A transplant...still undecided whether to make it permanent. I've been stateside for five years now. I work for Max Weston, our host. I'm an Editing Director in the Boston office."

"Um...how interesting," Nikki replied, "I just spent my day meeting with your lot..."

"You don't say...so, are you a writer?" She asked the first question that popped into her thoughts. Was she a potential client for Weston? Was Max courting her for a book? Her mind kept trying to register where she had heard Nikki's name before.

Hmmm.....they meet. Looking forward to more, N.

You've got Nikki spot on ...love it!

Like the opening chapters and look forward to more soon.

greeeeaaaat update more soon pleeeassseeee

Great opening chapter..... I'm curious as to where Helen's heard Nikki's name before. Well done on the beginning of a new story.

ooh i really like this

this is brilliant :)

Hey, BGs... :)
Thanks for your kind comments.
I appreciate you reading this story...


CHAPTER THREE

"You could use that term loosely...," Nikki relayed with a smile, "I've only written this one book and I'm not sure I'll ever write another one. So, any publisher interested knows this and look at me as an one-book phenon."

She took a long drag from her cigarette and exhaled it slowly. She looked out into the dark; her eyes glazed in thought. Helen took another sip of champagne as Nikki kept looking out into space. Apparently, she doesn't want to talk about it, thought Helen. A silence fell between them.

Helen leaned back in her chair; feeling the cooling breeze sweep across her face and legs. A storm was brewing somewhere. Shivers of lightning were lighting up the water far off to the south. She needed to think about getting up, finding Max and Joyce to thank them, and taking her leave. It must be getting on past ten. Her body was feeling quite relaxed. Maybe in a few minutes...

"Are you staying close by?"

Helen opened her eyes again. "No, eh....I'm not too close; about a mile up shore. I walked down this evening. How 'bout you?"

"Same direction...I'm right past the wooden gazebo," Nikki stated. Helen could remember seeing the gazebo this side of Max's cottage. Nikki was staying about a quarter of a mile below her. That was a nice area with some larger homes along the beach. Helen wondered who she was staying with. Might as well ask; she probably meet them here tonight.

"So...who are you staying with?"

"No one. My agent rented it for me. As for myself, I don't know many Yanks. I'm told they call it the Thornton House. It's enormous. Three days here and I don't believe I've seen every room yet," Nikki answered her; smiling now.

"How long are you planning to stay?"

"Oh, maybe a few more days...unless something or someone entices me to stay longer." Nikki looked directly at Helen with the smuggest grin and continued, "One never knows..."

There was that uneasy feeling again. She hadn't imagined Nikki's emphasis on the word "someone". If there wasn't an underlying meaning being conveyed, then she needed her hearing checked. She really needed to think about getting home....

"Well, it was very nice meeting you, Nikki. Good luck with your negotiations. If you have much to do with Max at Weston, I'm sure we'll cross paths again..." Helen rose and extended her hand out to the dark-haired woman. Nikki stood and took Helen's hand in a firm grip. She casually flipped Helen's right palm up and laid the hand out flat. She lightly traced her fingers over Helen's palm lines and studied them in the light. Nikki's inspection of her palm was sending tingling feelings throughout Helen's arm and beyond. What was going on?

"You know you're better off without him..."

"What?" Helen asked with surprise. She tried to pull back her hand, but Nikki held on.

"It would never have worked. Your hand has the tell-tale signs of a breakup. I am presuming it was a man. You may have even been close to marrying him, I'm not sure..." Nikki studied her palm some more before she met Helen's glare,"...good thing you didn't."

"Thank you, Ms Wade, for that assumption of my past," Helen heatedly replied. "Maybe you can give me the weather report next. Right now, that is a more pressing matter to me."

Nikki gently loosened her grip on Helen's hand and Helen retrieved it back quickly. Nikki continued to give her that smug smile as if she knew something about her that she didn't know herself. The woman had unnerved her.

" So...I've finally succeeded in making you react." Nikki stated. "Up till now, it's all been rather safe...hasn't it, Helen? That's Okay...maybe we can continue our conversation another time." With that last statement, Nikki walked around her and back towards the house entrance. Helen stood there a little dumbfounded. Who did she think she was...and what's it to her? The cheeky bitch!

"Nikki! Just a minute...," Helen made her way over to the railing where Nikki waited. "Now, let's put this conversation of ours in perspective. You take my hand, read my palm, and uncannily are correct in your readings. Please excuse me, but don't you think I might be just a bit skeptical?"

Nikki was trying her best not to laugh. "I confess. You're right, Helen. I know absolutely nothing about you and my palm reading is novice, at the most. I just happen to overhear two women earlier mention your circumstance. Then it was a matter of putting two and two together..." She smiled down at the flustered Scot; leaning her head to one side again. "Had you going, didn't I?"

"Oh, you're good..." laughed Helen. This woman definitely had a twisted sense of humor; but, she couldn't help but not like her. Nikki had joined in the laughing.

"Helen!" A man's voice rang out.

Max had spotted them from the doorway and walked over. "There you are. I see you've met Nikki. Has she mentioned her excellent book about the English prison system?"

Prison? Helen looked expectantly at Nikki and decided to play her game.

"Not yet, Max. Nikki was just about to tell me all about it when you arrived." She smiled sweetly up at Nikki. "So, please explain your book, Nikki?"

Nikki glanced out towards the ocean. The lightning was getting more intense. "Since I didn't drive down here, why don't I explain it to you as we walk back. That storm may reach us by the hour. Max, you wouldn't mind if we said our goodnights and tried to make it back to our dwellings before this storm makes land."

"Not at all, ladies. In fact, let me get you a ride back...," Max offered.

"No...that's okay, Max," Helen surprised herself with that interjection. "I know the air will do me good and this will be a good chance to talk about the book." Looking up at Nikki, she asked, "I'm ready anytime you are..."

"Alright, let's go..." Nikki replied.

She exchanged handshakes with Max and followed Helen down the porch steps across the lawn. Nikki looked out towards the beach; a grin crossing her face.

This is going to be an interesting walk back for N & H. Can't wait for the next update.

Great update :clap

Yup, a good up date. I hope they make the most of their walk!

My partner's at a beach party tonight...Hmmm..lol

grrreattttt

this is excellent!

Thanks for your kind comments, BGs.
They are appreciated... :)


CHAPTER FOUR:

Nikki was the first to break the silence along the beach. "Would you believe I checked the weather report before setting out this evening. They were calling for clear skies.... Just shows you how fast the weather can change along the coast."

"Too right. It reminds me of the Scottish isles in the Northwest and beyond...the quick weather change," Helen added, "though the Scottish winds are much colder and stronger."

"Well, let's hope it stays out over the water long enough for us to get back to our places." Nikki stated.

They were not the only beachcombers tonight. Several people passed them in a hurry to beat the storm in the darkness. A couple of guys were jogging right at the water's edge and splashing each other as they went. A man and woman held a young child's hand as they made their way over the sand. Every few seconds they would lift the child up in the air; causing the child to squeal with laughter. What a comforting sight.

"So tell me, Nikki..what exactly is your book about? I'd really like to know."

"Okay, let's see... do you want the edited version or the factual one?," Nikki inquired. "Since you're an editor, I'll start there...like it's about a lesbian cop killer who winds up in prison, speaks out against the injustices behind bars, makes the screws' lives a living hell, gets vindicated, and is released. Or how about the factual version...lesbian unjustly imprisoned for self -defense, becomes "big sister figure" in prison, no contact ends long-term relationship with outside girlfriend, and successfully overturns court decision with appeal. That's basically it in a nutshell."

When Nikki had mentioned lesbian cop-killer, it seemed to turn a light switch on in Helen's head.

"Nikki, how long ago was this?" She asked.

"Oh, going on six years now... I've been out for over a year." Nikki replied.

"So, that's why your name sounded familiar to me!" Helen stated with relief. She had been racking her brain all evening trying to remember where she'd heard Nikki's name.

"I'm not quite following you, Helen?" Nikki asked.

Helen explained, "Right before I left London five years ago, your name must of been in all the papers. That's where I've probably seen your name. Though I'm sorry to hear you had to do several years before the truth came out. What an injustice."

"You can say that again...," Nikki commented.

Helen glanced over at Nikki and felt such sadness for her. Not pity...no. She sensed that was one emotion Nikki would not appreciate from her. She couldn't imagine what this seemingly intelligent woman had went through.

"So, you find yourself looking for a firm to publish your book? Interesting...may I ask, did you get any offers from English publishers?" Helen was a little puzzled. Why would a publisher in England not be interested...

"There was some interest when I was released. The authorities just wanted to sweep it under the rug. You know how it is...no one wants to admit they made a mistake. Besides, who wants to read about prisons in their own country. That was the message I was getting; nobody cares except the bleeding hearts... "

"Nikki, I'd really like to read your book; sounds interesting."

"Great, I'd like you to read it...," Nikki replied, shyly smiling down at her.

"Do you have any copies with you?"

"Yeah, sure...Yvonne, my agent, had a few crated over. She thought someone might have a go at it."

At that moment, something caught in Helen's left sandal and threw her off balance. She let out a short yelp. She could feel her body going down to met the sand. A pair of hands grabbed her by the shoulder and she felt the blunt of Nikki's body. The other woman was holding on tightly. Helen was guessing she had landed somewhere in Nikki's midriff. When she somewhat got her footing under her, she raised up just enough to realize her face must be between Nikki's breasts. Oh, shit! She hurriedly tried to regain her balance; which meant she had to place her hands on Nikki's hips. She finally disentangled herself. She moved her hands from Nikki's body. The woman kept a grip on her shoulders.

"Are you alright?" her voice rang out with concern.

"Yes, I..I think so," Helen stammered, "must of caught a stump or something..."

"Good." Nikki was lightly rubbing her hands down Helen's arm. It was a soft caress and Helen was becoming aware of the tingling sensation her hands were creating.

"Umm.., " Nikki whispered, "I must say Helen, I had visions of you in my arms, but I never thought you'd fall into them so easily."

Helen stepped back and looked up at Nikki in the darkness. She could barely see her face, but she thought she could make out a smile. She was joking with her.

"Always the joker, huh..Nikki?" Helen couldn't help but laugh. "Thanks for the catch. I seem to be okay...Come on, let's get going. I need a drink...and you owe me a book tonight."

"So, that's the way it is?" Nikki inquired with a grin.

"Yes, maam.."

"Mmmm...I kinda like this assertive side."

They talked on easily as they made their way towards Nikki's beach house. They could make out the gazebo by the beach edge. A light rain was blowing now and the surf was rolling in more rapidly and crashing along the shore. The women had linked arms as they walked; hurrying each other along. The storm was coming on...

Finally catching up on the fanfics....Loving this story!!!

Great update!

Another great update, N. :D

N. just can't take no for an answer...Guess she knows it's more like ..maybe..

another great update.... but we need more please!!!

BGs,
Thanks for your comments...


CHAPTER FIVE:

The rain was coming down steady now. The women ran the last few yards to reach the back porch cover of Nikki's rental. "Wow, we just beat it!" Nikki exclaimed. She walked over to the rail and picked up a towel for Helen to dry off. Going to the door, she punched in some numbers to deactivate the house's alarm system. "You can't be too careful these days...lot of criminals out and about." She smiled at Helen and opened the door for her, "After you..."

"Thanks." Helen handed the towel back to Nikki.

Helen entered into a very upscale kitchen. There were several cabinets lined in the middle of the room with wooden tops and chairs alongside. The walls were full of cooking utensils hanging off the walls and ceiling. Modern shiny, stainless-topped appliances were strategically placed throughout the kitchen. Helen really liked the layout; thinking it must be a joy to cook in here.

"Would you like something to eat, drink...I don't know about you, but I drank more than I ate." Nikki was searching the food pantry as she spoke, "I've got some pasta left over from earlier. I could warm it up, if you like...or we could have a sandwich or something." She collected a loaf of bread and set it on the counter.

"That sounds good." Helen watched Nikki go about finding what she needed. She found some meats in the refrigerator and deposited lettuce and tomatoes on the counter.

"How about preparing these two...?" she asked.

"Fine." Helen went about helping. She washed some lettuce and one of the tomatoes; placing them on a plate next to the meats. Nikki gathered the condiments and also found some sweet pickles and potato salad. The necessary cutlery was distributed and they were ready to sit down and prepare their sandwiches. Performing these activities took their mind off the battering storm raging over them. The rain and thunder were at a high pitch by now.

"What would you like to drink, Helen?" Nikki inquired, " Red wine, something stronger? I've got vodka, whiskey,beer...or will it be something tamer...tea, soda?"

"Red wine will be fine." Nikki went over to the fridge and collected the chilled wine.
She reached for two goblets hanging from a tray in the mid-section above their head.
Helen couldn't help noticing the woman's long, slender fingers as she poured the wine. Those were the same fingers that had caused her some discomfort earlier. What could she say; Nikki did have beautiful hands.

"Ah...this looks nice." Nikki commented, "I didn't realize how hungry I was. Shall we eat?"

"Ready..." Helen raised her glass in salute, "Cheers!"

They brought their wine goblets together and lightly touched; a faint clinging sound rung in the air.
They smiled at each other before setting in to make their sandwiches. Helen couldn't quite understand the ease she had around Nikki. She felt a calming feeling; like they were old friends enjoying an evening together. Only the sexual insinuations were somewhat uncomfortable. She selected the fixings for a turkey sandwich. Nikki kept piling together a whopping sandwich of meats and veggies; with potato salad on the side. To Helen's amazement, Nikki kept adding items on...

"Wow, you are hungry," Helen kidded. She silently wondered how she was going to get the thing in her mouth.

"Helen, I told myself while I was in prison that if I ever got out I would cherish food. After prison rations, anything looks good...no matter how much one piles on it."

"I can understand that, but... you don't want to kill yourself eating it!" Helen commented back at Nikki.

"I know... you've got a point. There are more enjoyable things to die from." Nikki was looking at Helen again with that mischievous chin. Helen noticed her eyes had a sparkling glint to them as the lashes hooded her gorgeous brown eyes. Nikki picked up her knife and halved the sandwich.

Helen feel silent after that remark. She really needed to eat her sandwich, get a copy of Nikki's book, and say her goodnights. Maybe the storm would be over soon.

"Helen, don't look so serious...I'm not gonna pounce on you," Nikki leaned in towards Helen;grinning, "...at least not until I finish my sandwich."

Helen laughed the comment off and bluntly asked, "Are you always this straight-forward around people you've just meet?"

Nikki looked directly at Helen; locking her eyes and replied, "Straight...never. Forward...always, with someone I like. My motto is to make the best of the chances you get. You might not have them tomorrow."

yeah, you might not have a tomorrow... great and wise words for sure

and a real good update!!!

I am liking the direction that we're going with this story.... thanks for the update, N. :)

he he he that's our Nikki :wub: Great update!!

amazing update thanks

Fabulous! :clap

Hey, BGs...
Sorry for not replying sooner;
Fall is here; our farm is taking most of my time now...
Hope you enjoy this segment...thanks.


CHAPTER SIX:

Helen sat and returned Nikki's stare. She finally smiled and broke their connection. She could very well understand Nikki's comment. Here was a woman with first hand experience in having her liberties taken from her by imprisonment. All outside contact restricted except when allowed visitors. It must of been very hard. Helen really wanted to read her book...

"You're right, Nikki."

They returned to eating their sandwiches. Helen kept thinking about what Nikki had said and she couldn't help feeling like such a fool. She had been so involved in her own little world and feeling sorry for herself that she could not see how lucky she was to escape Sean's grasp. He was a total jerk and cared for nothing but his selfish needs. She was lucky to have found him out now; he did not deserve her thoughts or anything....she might still be hurting from his deception, but she knew she was going to be alright.

"So...where did you learn to read palms?" Helen asked as Nikki sipped her wine.

"That's a story in itself," grinned Nikki.

"Do tell..."

"I actually learned about that in prison. I talk about it in the book... Sure you want to hear this?"

"Of course!" Helen smiled; bringing her brow together to emphasize her words.

" I knew these two ladies in prison... we called them the Two Julies. Julie J, J for Johnson, and Julie S, S for Saunders. Nice girls...They were partners in crime; they bunked together...did everything together;even finished each others sentences. Julie S was a self-proclaimed medium. She was always reading palms, coffee grains, other items for inmates. Sometimes she would have her "momentary premonitions" on the future. I might add... she wasn't half bad. Her predictions were mainly general stuff; just everyday feelings. One day we were sitting in the association area...I was feeling kinda low; my girlfriend at the time had just told me she was seeing someone on the outside. Julie S. read my palm and she explained to me where the different lines ran and what they represented. She gave me some comfort at that time with her words. I just remembered, got interested, and went from there. Since getting out, I've used it as a pickup line on a few girls." Nikki smiled across at Helen and continued, " You'd be surprised how many people are into that sort of thing."

Helen grinned. Nikki's conversation had sparked a question she had to ask.

"So...was there anything that stood out in my palm?"

"Not much you don't already know. Your heart line has some breaks in it. There was a good sign of marriage, but there might be some rocky times involved with it. And, eh....you have a life line to die for..." Nikki leaned in closer and softly asked, "Does that appease your curiousity?"

"Quite nicely, thank you." Helen took a glance at her right palm. "So...which one is my life line?"

Nikki wiped her hands off with a napkin. "Give it here...let me show you." She leaned over and took Helen's right hand and patted the palm a little. "OK...let's get some blood flowing..." Nikki proceeded to show her where the different lines were located. Helen was having a hard time concentrating. Nikki's fingers were leaving a tingling trail along the lines in her palm. Sensations ran up her arm and down past her stomach. She came very close to jerking her arm back as before, but she caught herself. Wasn't she the one who initated this? And didn't it felt good to know she still could feel something after Sean.

"Do you see this line that hugs the fleshy pad around your thumb? That's your life line...or health line as some folks call it. Now trace it all the way around," Helen was close to moaning as the other woman gently traced her finger all the way around her thumb area. "See how strong the line is formed and the length it circles around the thumb...I predict a long, healthy life for you, Ms. Stewart."

"Yes, but am I going to find true love to share it with?"

Nikki glanced at her hand again, holding it gently. She moved it sightly towards the light to shine on a certain area. Nikki studied the creases for a few seconds before her next comment.

"You will have at least two major loves in your life, Helen...but not without some emotional impact. See these tiny lines that branch off your heart line. Those are called bleeders, disruptions of your private life. You have several along this line. At times, matters of the heart may overwhelm you..." Nikki looked intently at Helen, "Sorry about your breakup..."

Helen slowly brought her hand back to her lap. Under the table, she rubbed her hands together. She could still feel the warmth where Nikki had held her hand. Helen raised her eyes back towards Nikki. She really didn't want to talk about Sean right now, so she gave a generic reply.

"It's OK. It's like you said...It would of never worked out." Helen tried a smile on before she lowered her head back to her food. Nikki sat quietly across from her. She could see right through Helen Stewart. The woman was in pain and she needed time to heal.

thanks for the update N. looking forward to more

Great update. Two major loves ...... wonder who they are. Hehe

Another fine update. You sure know how to tease us... :hug2

Ah, HF...
you know you like being teased. :lol:


CHAPTER SEVEN:

They sat together silently finishing their sandwiches. The storm outside was lessening now ; the rain was barely audible. Nikki commented that the storm must be moving out. Helen knew it was time to go. She reminded Nikki of her offer to let her read her book. Nikki seemed to hesitate for a second before answering. She really wanted to continue talking with this lovely woman.

"Yeah...could I interest you in one for the road?"

"Oh, I think I've drank enough for one night," laughed Helen.

"Sure...," Nikki replied; sensing Helen was ready to leave. "Let me go get that book for you. Would you like to wait in here or see more of my living area? It's quite a nice house."

"Uh...maybe another time. I'll just wait in here."

"Suit yourself. Back in a flash..." Nikki exited the kitchen.

Helen got up and began clearing the dishes over next to the sink. She made her way to the window and peered out into the darkness. The porchlight eliminated out onto the beach. She could make out a misty rain spraying down. She turned back towards the kitchen when she heard a door open. Nikki appeared with the book in hand.

"What's it doing out there?"

"Misting lightly...good time to make it back," replied Helen.

"Alright, let's get you home," grinned Nikki. She walked to the pantry and retrieved a lantern. She turned it on to check the battery. She took a rain poncho from a hook.

"I'll walk you back. Fancy sharing this? There might be more debris washed up and we don't want you slipping in the dark." Nikki opened the door and looked outside.

"Yeah, let's go," Helen walked out first. A cool breeze had blown in with the storm and the temperature had dropped some. It would be good to get settled for the night. Nikki handed the book to her and brought the poncho over their heads. She settled her arm over Helen's shoulder.

"Ready..." Nikki smiled down at her.

Helen just nodded. Nikki turned the lantern on and they preceded walking the 200 or so yards to Helen's rental. She continued holding the smaller woman. Helen felt a little strange wrapped up next to this charismatic, tall woman. She shivered against Nikki's closeness.

"Are you cold?" Nikki just pressed closer to Helen.

"Just a bit..It has cooled down."

"Put your arm around my waist and we'll huddle together," Nikki suggested.

Helen slowly placed her arm around Nikki's waist. This brought their bodies together and it felt warmer. And something else...Helen didn't want to disect this further. She concentrated on watching where she was walking and directing Nikki towards her rental. They talked in general and the time past quickly as they reached her screened porch. An outside light automatically turned on.

Nikki followed her into the porch area. Helen preceded to unlock her cottage and switched on the house lights.

"Helen, what have you got planned for tomorrow?" Nikki looked expectantly at her.

"I plan on taking it easy. This is not a working holiday for me. I just went to Max's party by the invite." relayed Helen.

"I have a business meeting scheduled in the afternoon. Care for a walk tomorrow morning?" Nikki asked. "I've not found the time yet to enjoy a nice stroll. Now that I've met a friend, I feel like checking out the landscape. If you've not got anything else to do..."

"No, I'm free in the morning... I'd like that, but not too early," Helen emphasized, 'I'm not much of a morning person. Say sometime between nine and ten?"

"I'll be here...," Nikki assured her.

"Thanks, Nikki, for the late snack...and the book"

At that moment, Nikki leaned over and lightly kissed Helen on the cheek. Helen was taken by surprise and couldn't respond for a few seconds.

"So nice to meet you, Helen. Sweet dreams..." Nicki waved as she made her way off the porch and back to the sandy expanse. Helen slowly closed the door watching the woman turn on the lantern and head back to her place. She thought about Nikki's kiss. It was a warm kiss and Helen missed its warmth as soon as Nikki moved back. No...there was no use putting anything into it.

Hele made her way upstairs to her bedroom. She kept the light off as she went over to the window. In the silence, she watched Nikki's torch move across the shoreline towards her place. she could faintly make out her outline as she neared the illuminated nightlight...a lone dark figure in a poncho. The figure suddenly turned and looked directly her way. She quickly let go of the curtain..standing numbly in the darkness as she willed her heartbeat to calm down. What an evening!

Woo hoo. The sparks are gonna start flying soon. I can feel it. :hug2

awwwwww :wub: I am really liking this story!

You cast the bait, jig it a bit then wack..ya set the hook.Good one BC

:clap Love it!