Web hosting Custom Email SiteBuilder

By the time Trynia wandered out of the kitchen, she noticed Terri walking toward her. There was a strange look in her friend's dark eyes, and she stumbled a bit, leaning against the wall as if to prop herself up.

"Oops... careful..." Trynia said, moving to stand directly in her path, and support her friend with both arms braced against hers.

"Uh... Trynia... is it terribly rude if I go to bed now?" Terri asked.

"Of course not... let me show you where you'll be staying... Gene's still in the kitchen..."

"I would love a nice hot shower actually..."

"Honey, you out there?" Gene asked, calling out from the kitchen. Before Trynia could answer, Terri held a finger to her lips.

"Just show me to the bedroom and I'll make it," she laughed, in a manner that suggested some force, Trynia thought. Almost as if she were holding back, another emotion that threatened to explode if triggered properly.

Gene poked his head around the corner and met his gaze with Terri. "Hon, you finished monopolizing Paul yet?"

"Gene, do you mind if I go up and take a nice hot bath? I think I need to get to sleep early," Terri said quietly.

"Sure, go right ahead, sweetheart. I'll be joining you soon in fact, if Trynia doesn't mind..."

"Not at all," Trynia said with a smile. "After all it's been a LONG and eventful day..."

"That's for sure," Terri sighed, gripping the railing of the stairs tightly. Gene waved as he moved past Trynia and walked over to her. Slipping his arm around her waist, he leaned over to kiss her on the forehead.

"Easy, you okay?" Gene asked.

"I think... the wine is kicking in," Trynia said, taking Terri's arm and helping to support her. "Let me give you a hand..."

"I can," Gene said.

"I think I can manage," said Trynia. "Why don't you see if Paul's still alive."

"Sure thing," Gene laughed. "I'll stop by when you're on your way down, and wish you lovebirds good night. And THANKS for the cookies..."

"Help yourself," Trynia said.

"Gene... I..." Terri said.

"What, sweetheart?" Gene asked her.

"Oh nothing. I REALLY need a shower," she muttered, glancing toward Trynia. "Could you show me the way?"

"I'll get you some towels," Trynia offered, and both women trotted upstairs quickly. Gene watched them leave, then entered the living room. He noticed Paul sitting pensively on the sofa, sipping his wine.

"So, did you guys have fun in here?" Gene asked casually. He stopped his next wisecrack when he noticed Paul's dark stare into the fireplace.

"Well, we had an interesting conversation," Paul said awkwardly. "How about you and Trynia? We could hear you all the way in there..."

"Sure thing. Your woman makes the BEST toll house cookies," Gene said casually, leaning against the fireplace.

"So, you guys are cool now, I take it?" Paul asked, glancing up at his friend.

"I think it's a safe bet. Especially after we broke the damn ice. I've got her eating out of my hand... so to speak," Gene joked.

"Yeah," Paul muttered, staring into his glass.

"Hey, no snappy come back. What's with you, Paul?" Gene asked. "I just gave a crack at your gal, and you don't bite my head off. Something's got up your butt, hasn't it?"

"Gene, I kinda need some time alone," Paul said. "I'd rather not talk about it, if you don't mind."

"You sure? Is it something to do with you and your woman..."

"No, nothing really. It's been a long day, and I'll probably be going to bed soon. I just need to power down a bit. That's all. Okay?" Paul said.

"Uh huh," Gene peered back, not totally convinced. Yet, he knew well enough to let it ride when Paul cut him off so suddenly. Damn, why was Paul so moody sometimes? Did it have something to do with him and Terri? How ridiculous, for hadn't they dismissed that issue a while ago? Hadn't the axe been buried? That look on Paul's face bore witness to Gene's sudden suspicions.

"Hey, Gene, I hope you enjoy the guestroom," Paul said. "I have a nice waterbed up there you guys have to break in for me. Let me know how you and Terri like it..."

"Sure, I'll give you a full report," Gene said. "Good night Paul..."

"Night," Paul said, as Gene leaned over and gave his shoulder a squeeze. Wandering out of the living room, he almost bumped into Trynia, who was on her way down the long winding stairs.

"Hi Gene, ready to try out that new bed huh?" Trynia joked.

"You bet. Say, is Terri still in the shower?"

"She just started. I have to warn you she looks pretty snockered," Trynia said. "You might want to go in and check on her and make sure she's okay..."

"Sure thing. And I think you'd better make sure if my buddy's ok..." Gene leaned close, whispering in her ear as he took hold of her upper arm gently yet firmly.

"Hmm, one of the strong silent ones?" she asked.

"That about sums it up, doll," Gene whispered. "One of his 'I need time alone' moods. I think you'd better find out if you can get him to crack..."

"Will do. I hope he and Terri didn't get into some intense discussion... or say something they both regretted."

"Beats the hell outta me... but that's one reason why I don't drink..."

"Hmm, interesting you should say that," Trynia said to Gene. "Ever since I have had to swear off drinking because I'm pregnant, I've really noticed the dramatic difference... being sober at these times."

"Kind of makes you realize what you're missing, doesn't it?" Gene asked.

"Yes," she nodded.

"Good night Tryn," Gene said, and held out his arms. She grinned and accepted his warm embrace, relaxing as he patted her back affectionately, winding her arms around his waist.

"You too."

"Good luck," Gene whispered, releasing her. He strode upstairs in search of Terri. Trynia watched him curve around the banister and vanish into the upper realms of Paul's home.

**********

Gene slowly opened the door to the bathroom, where a cloud of steam hit him full in the face. It smelled of soapy roses and a dusty hint of incense. Smiling to himself, he poked his head and shoulders into the atmosphere, heavy with the fragrance of shower and her. Carefully he closed the door behind him, and tugged off his boots. He set them to one side of the bathroom, and tiptoed in. Taking off his black blazer he tossed it over the linen caddy, and unbuttoned his Dragonfly shirt. Soft splashing, mingled with the strains of Enya met his ears in a full force of feminine relaxation. Through the fog he spotted her, laying lengthwise in the corner bathtub, oval and bubbling with bath salts. He chuckled at the sleep mask concealing her eyes, hair tousled in a spring clip as she reclined her neck on a bath pillow.

Frowning a bit with concern, he realized what Trynia had said about Terri's state of sobriety, or lack thereof. Falling asleep in a warm tub was not prudent for one under the affects of alcohol, so it would not hurt to make sure she was all right. Especially when he could have some fun with her in the process. As quietly as he could he unbuckled his belt and unfastened his pants, shedding them while steadying himself against the sink for balance. Once having shed his skin, he stealthily crept to the tub, placing one foot into the water. It was large enough for two people to sit inside the foaming water, not a full hot tub, but the sort with bubbly jets, entered by three steps down to the crosswise lower part, where a person could recline or sit on a recessed place.

Terri muttered and tossed her head, as if asleep. Gene slipped further into the water, slipping his legs under her body and settling into place under her so she lay across his lap. Softly he leaned over to nibble on her ear and stroke a hand over her breast. She jolted with a start, shrieking into alertness. He caught her before she could slip under the water. She ripped the sleep mask off, and glared at him, demanding, "Gene, what the hell are you doing?"

"Sorry to startle you. Just enjoying the water with you..." he apologized, kissing her cheek. Grumbling she sat up and scrambled to get out of the tub.

"You might have ASKED before you scared the living shit out of me," she grumbled.

"Hey, I couldn't resist," Gene grinned. She muttered and let him help her sit up then sighed. This was NOT the reacting Gene had anticipated, so he asked, "I am sorry love. REALLY. Forgive me?"

"Never mind, I was just about to get out anyway. I'm all wrinkled," she muttered, sitting up and letting a sluice of water roll off her body directly into Gene's face.

"So soon?" Gene asked.

"I'm just tired," she sighed, grabbing for a towel. "If you don't mind, I'm going to turn in."

"You sure?" Gene asked, catching hold of her.

"Gene, please, just let me go," she sighed, pulling away from him.

"Hey now don't be like that, sweetheart, I was only trying to have a little fun here..."

"Please... just... let me be," she said, stepping out of the tub. He let her go, shaking his head and frowning at this sudden rejection. It must be pretty serious to resist his usual charm.

"You're not into it?" Gene asked, watching her grab a towel and wrap it around herself.

"No, I'm sorry," she apologized, turning back to him. "I'm not in the mood... I guess..."

Gene glanced up from the tub, extending a hand to her. "Care to tell me what's on your mind, darling?"

"Nothing, I'm just...tired..." she sighed, stepping back to the tub. "Hey, it's cool, don't' worry," he said, grabbing a sponge and loading it with some of her scented soap. He casually began to stroke it over his bared arms, and chest, glancing up at her. "Is this one of those 'I need space times'?"

Silence predominated as Terri watched Gene soaping his torso up. He dunked underwater to relieve himself of the suds, before lathering up the back brush and working on his shoulders. Wet strands of hair clung to his scalp and cheeks, amber brown eyes fixing into hers for a moment as she secured her pink silk bathrobe about her.

"You're not buying it, are you, Mr. Simmons?"

"Nope, not for a moment, Ms. Mason." Gene said, resting one arm on the side of the tub.

"Don't worry. It's nothing you did. Or didn't do," Terri said, wrapping her hair in a turbi twist and hitching it up into a turban.

Gene grabbed the shampoo and squirted it into his hands, working it into the consistency of lathered egg whites. He smashed it into his mass of curls, and said, "Good to know. But would it have anything to do with your little convo with Paul? You must have talked about something considerably heavy to get this detached..."

"Remind me not to drink champagne and sit alone with Paul at a crackling fire," she said.

"I pretty much figured it was one of those awkward incidents, caused by a run in with alcohol," Gene said, scrubbing his hair. "Care to elaborate, Ms. Mason?"

"It just got, I don't know, STRANGE." Terri sighed.

Gene plunged one hand into the water, watching the suds recede from it before pulling it out and patting the tile next to the tub's edge. "Why don't you get comfortable here and tell ol' Gene all about it?"

"Well if you insist," she said, striding over and sitting down on the tub's raised side. "It was just... weird. I couldn't help but blurt it out..."

"Now you know why I don't drink, darling," Gene says, nudging her shoulder lightly.

"Really, I wish I took your advice this evening," she sighed. Gene dunked his head under the water momentarily, suds drifting away from his head.

"I don't know how you do it, Gene. You and Shannon have such an open, loving relationship. It's almost like you two never broke up. There's really no woman in your past that you pine away for. WHY can't I get past this thing with Paul?"

"Wait a minute, did you say what I think you said?" Gene asked. Terri swallowed hard, clearing her throat.

"Yes... I just... it's this thing with Paul... I thought I had it licked, but now... it's reared its ugly head and I can't."

"Terri, baby..." Gene said, taking her hands in his. "I thought..."

"PLEASE don't misunderstand me. I'm not saying that I still want him, or that I wish that it turned out differently," she said quickly, squeezing his hand tightly.

"I'm listening," Gene says, running a finger down her arm lightly.

"I just wish I could make all the resentment go away. I feel like he totally used me, then as soon as we broke up, suddenly he's got his act together."

"Please continue."

"God, Gene, I don't know where to start. I guess there's a part of me that is still so angry about what happened. I'm not going to delude myself into thinking that I would have been his forever love, but damn it, I at least deserved the TRUTH...about Linda."

"Yes you did. Absolutely," Gene agreed, nodding. Terri picked up the sponge and began to scrub his back.

"And that was why I was so pissed at him."

"I NEVER bullshit with women. That's why I came back... to get you... I could see you were something DIFFERENT... far more serious," Gene said.

"You were sweet to stand up for me. Sweet to back me up in this whole mess. I'm sure it's not easy to go against your best friend."

"No it isn't. But it isn't the first time, nor will it be the last," he said, taking her hand and kissing it. Water dribbled down her wrist a bit from his moist face. She leaned over the tub, and kissed him quickly on the lips.

"I'm not the most sentimental person, mind you. I tend to suck at that. But I don't know WHAT it was about you. There was just SOMETHING about you I couldn't get out of my mind... when I first met you..." Gene admitted. "It was like that with Shannon..."

"So, why can't I let this go? Hell, Trynia has Linda and her problems to deal with all the time, but somehow she manages to come through unscathed. WHY can't I look at Paul for any extended period with starting to feel angry?" Terri complained, squeezing her eyes shut.

"You should ask Cher the next time you see her, how long it took her to get over Sonny... To this day she has anger, and great love toward him..."

"I know Gene. WHY can't I accept that people are human and sometimes they cheat on each other? I mean, us. For God sakes, you cheat on me all the TIME."

"But I'm honest. Have I ever lied to you about who I'm with?" Gene interrupted, leaning close and brushing her ear with his wet nose.

"No...." Terri nodded, eyes moistening with tears.

"As much as it would be great if I were different, I can't just change who I am. But that does NOT mean I don't love you..." Gene reiterated, slipping his arm around her shoulders and hugging her close. Despite the fact she was cozy and dry in her bathrobe, she hugged him back, burying her head in his shoulder. With the tub wall between them, she hugged him close, water soaking from his frame to hers.

"Aww damn," she sighed, pulling away.

"I know that sounded awfully cheesy, but I really do mean it," Gene said softly, fingering her cheek. "Me using that word. You KNOW I hardly do."

"I guess its betrayal. That's exactly what it is. He led me to believe that somehow he cared about me, while all along, he's screwing that idiot who just HAPPENED to call his name in the hospital. You saw who he came running to, like a little puppy dog," she chuckled sadly. "And everyone was probably LAUGHING at me. Gene, was I DELISIONAL? Did he really ever care about me, or was it just me as a fan WISHING that he would?"

Gene continued to listen as she gave voice to her thoughts, words slightly slurred. She lay her head on his shoulder, leaning over the tub side again. Noticing his silent patience, she stopped her rant to gaze at him, "I love you too, Gene."

"I'm glad," Gene nodded, leaning over to kiss her. She felt his hand cupping the back of her head, lips claiming hers in a deep kiss as he tugged her toward him. The force of his kiss undid her self control's last shred, and she felt hot tears forming at the corners of her eyes. Especially when he slipped his tongues into her mouth and caressed hers with ever increasing passion. They parted, panting deep breaths as their eyes filled with passion for each other.

"He did care about you," Gene said, stroking her chin. "It made it THAT harder to come and get you, and give you over to him... That was another reason I was pissed at him."

"Are you sure? I wasn't just some groupie? God, was everyone laughing at me?"

She asked, looking away.

"No. Peter wasn't laughing. I wasn't... ace was the only one. But he laughs at ANYTHING."

She chuckled a bit, "He still sort of laughs at us."

"It was Allison that knew my brooding, and riding on everyone's ass self was just my way of showing I cared..." Gene chuckled back. "I rode Everyone's ass when Paul showed up... to be at Linda's side. Because I knew what he'd left behind. Hell I lit a fire under his ass to find you!"

"How do you get over the anger, the hostility and learn to move on? How did you and Shannon do it?" Terri asked, able to look him in the eyes again.

"Terri," Gene sighed, stroking her cheek. "There's no easy answer. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a bit mad at Shannon still... for not sticking it out with me and KISS... but I had to let her go."

She smiled at his words, "I still can't believe how badly you wanted to be with me? It's not exactly like I came heavily recommended, you know. I was Paul's jilted lover, after all."

"I liked you BEFORE you were with Paul. Hell I wanted you in my bed that night. Granted it was a groupie thing. But after I kept seeing you around Paul, you grew on me..."

She wiped her eyes a bit "And I'm so damn mad at myself for bringing this whole thing up again. It makes me sound like I still carry a torch for the man, two years later. You should have seen his face when I brought up the topic."

"I don't blame you Terri. But you REALLY do need to forgive yourself... and Paul..." Gene advised, stroking her hand. Her entire right side was saturated with water by now. "Or else this will haunt you for a LONG time."

"I...think I probably upset him pretty badly tonight. Damn. HOW am I going to face Trynia? What if he tells her?"

"You tell her the TRUTH." Gene said firmly.

"Oh, by the way, Trynia, your best friend still wants in my pants and she's still crying like a school girl because I didn't want her." she mocked herself sarcastically.

"Would it help if I told you... just WHAT moment I knew I loved you?" Gene asked her.

She clasped his hand firmly, and nodded, "That would help me immensely."

"Well I had been trying to figure it out, you know me... Type A, always commenting on every damn thing..."

"I was an enigma, huh?" she asked, putting a finger in the water and stirring the residual suds around.

"Yeah. In many ways, you were like Shannon. But you were also not like many women I've met. And from me you KNOW that's saying a lot."

"But when we were in bed together that first time... I remember when I looked RIGHT into your eyes, looking RIGHT at me... I saw something there I don't see in the eyes of most women I've slept with," Gene said. "Mind handing me a towel? I think I'm just about done in here..."

"Sure," Terri said, and got up from the side of the tub. She fetched a towel, and held it up for Gene. He stepped out, and smiled as she wrapped it around his body.

"You're definitely an acquired taste, my love. I don't think there's a person walking this planet who doesn't think I'm a certifiable nut for allowing you to transgress with whatever ladies catch your fancy."

"Indeed," he said, kissing her hand. She smiled at him and playfully nudged him again. "But as I was saying..."

"Mmmmmm, go on. I LOVE to hear you get mushy." She said invitingly. Over his chest, she ran a finger playfully, his hair still moist and damp.

"Well I remember you saying how you could almost forget who I was... and who I was with before. That was interesting... Most women, who are with me, are sleeping with a legend. You weren't. That was a nice change," Gene recounted.

"Well, even from the beginning, I made love with you because I was fascinated and attracted to you as a person. I was never the type to just jump in the sack to experience the bloodspurting and the long tongue. Even though I HAD read the crap on groupie central" she teased.

"I do love being worshipped and adored, but it is nice to be with someone who isn't totally blown away with the Demon side of me," Gene chuckled, nudging her. "I could actually have an intelligent conversation with you. That's a nice bonus."

"And like you said, no surprises. No Linda's in the closet, waiting to jump out at me," she said, reaching around his waist to hugs him tightly. Another wet spot grew into existence as he moistened her robe with his chest and legs, pressed up against her.

"No," he said, stroking her arm again lightly.

"Besides do you think PAUL would have gone through all the garbage to get my family to accept him?" she teased.

"And I must confess I was nicely surprised when you weren't freaked out by who I was... or some of the other attributes in my lifestyle," Gene grinned, reaching playfully for the belt of her robe. "Including my overwhelming collections..."

"I'd be lying if I told you that I am 100% in favor of you screwing every cheap groupie in site. That's nothing new. I've told you that before. I don't LOVE it. I accept it, but I don't it. If that's the price I have to pay to be with you...." she trailed off, burying her head in his chest.

"I know," he said, kissing her shoulder. "It's my addiction. But you're one of the few women who have the self confidence to know that it's totally different from what you and I share."

She continued to run her finger up his chest, while reaching around his towel clad waist with her arm. Gene held her close, stroking her back through the silky warmth of her robe. She lay her head against him, and sighed. "I'm pretty sure I made Paul feel like shit tonight. And I guess I don't know where we go from here. I love those two. I love spending time with them. I just hope I didn't drive a giant wedge between us.

"Terri, do me a favor..." Gene said, rubbing her back. She stepped back to look up at him, a bit of distance between them.

"What?"

"Stop being so hard on yourself and so damn melodramatic," he said firmly.

Terri poked him in the chest and asked, "So, in other words, shut the hell up?"

"No, stop beating up yourself. You're sounding like Paul."

She laughed, "That's a change. All along I've thought that I was beating up on him."

"Well listen to yourself. You're so worried about driving a wedge between him and us..." Gene said, taking her arms and stepping back a bit from her. They regarded each other. "Have you stopped to consider that he's moved on, and you should do the same? He's getting on with his life now. Don't resent him for it. And don't resent yourself for having a good life... after Paul."

She looked down at her hands and felt tears encroaching once more. Wiping her eyes, she sniffed. Gene released her arms and raised her hands up to his lips, depositing a soft kiss on each.

"I must be the most amazingly idiotic woman on the face of the earth. Here, I've got the perfect man for me and somehow I'm too busy going around and around in circles over something that was stupid to begin with," she shook her head. "Screw Paul...."

"You' aren't idiotic, it's just what you're doing that is idiotic..." Gene said, reaching up to unfasten the turbee twist from her head. "And don't screw Paul. Screw me."

"God, Gene, I...love you.... Will you ever forgive me for this whole blasted mess?" she groaned, shaking her head as her hair dropped around her ears, freed from its turban.

"Have I ever said anything that would lead you to believe otherwise?" he asked.

"You've been honest with me, I can't ask for anything more then that. Even if it has taken you a while to get over this..."

"I'm just sorry that I'm making you try so hard," she apologized.

"Apology accepted," Gene says, kissing her hand softly on the back.

She laughed through her tears, hugging him close again, "And you're NOT just saying that because you still have hopes of hot and wild sex, right?"

"Who me?" he gives her a cheesy grin. "Coming from a man who has never objected to nights when you just needed to be 'held'."

She wiped away her tears as she laughed harder, arm still around his waist, "Well, I SUPPOSE, mister, that you realize that we are stuck here without condoms. This is going to be just hysterically funny if YOU have to go to PAUL this time and get condoms for his guest house."

Gene laughed and licked his lips. Bending down he whispered directly into her ear, "What makes you think I don't have any?"

She laughed even harder, "You KNOW after just making him feel about 2 inches high, I am NOT going to knock on his door and ask for rubbers."

Leaning down, Gene suddenly tickled the back of her knees. She shrieked and bent backwards, feeling the earth suddenly sweep out from under her. Gene swept her up effortlessly into his arms, one under her back and the other under her knees into a love cradle. Sharply she exhaled in pleasant suprise as he carried her out of the bathroom and into the main guestroom. The sheets of the king-sized waterbed were spread aside already as he lay her down into them. Turning around he rushed over to his discarded pants and fished out his wallet. He unfolded it, reaching within the wads of cash and credit cards to extract a few packets.

"I'm surprised you don't know that I'm ALWAYS prepared..." he announced, rushing to the bed and laying his wallet to the bedside table. Under her back the bed heaved as he sat down and began to slither across it toward her.

"Pardon me, Paul. I KNOW I'm interrupting your neurosis, but I REALLY could use a hot and fast screw," she giggled, holding her side.

She leaned over and grabbed the condom, still laughing hard. He rolled over and hugged her from behind, simply holding her close to him. She wound her arms in his and squeezed back hard as she laughed. He kissed her on the ear and growled softly, still rocking her against him. Under them, the combined motion of their bodies sent the bed into sympathetic waves that amplified and reflected back into both their forms.

"This is going to sound really over the top, but ever since Jacob was born, I felt like I could REALLY use a good cry. That just felt perfect," she moaned.

"I don't object to ANY physical interaction with a beautiful woman," he whispered in her ear.

"I promise never to tell the fans and blow your cover, but you, my dear, are no devil. You are an angel," she sniffed, gripping his hands tightly.

"Mm, and I was working SO hard on my reputation..." he laughed.

"A big cuddly teddy bear," she purred, rolling over and wrapping him in her arms.

"Who LOVES to be scratched," he says, wrapping himself around her.

"I still don't see how you do it. Everything is easy for you," she sighed.

"Bullshit," he whispered into her ear. "You KNOW I work hard at EVERYTHING I do... don't you?"

"I know, love, it's just that you don't sweat you failures. You just dig in deeper. I wish I could be more like you sometimes in that regard. Things still STING for me."

"That's why I love sharing my wisdom with you doll," he whispered. "I wish I could make things easier for you, but you have to figure out how yourself... Besides I know there's times you want me to shut the hell up... because you KNOW I'll be the first to say 'I told you so', but I have enough class not to."

"Soo, what you're saying is you've been wanting to say I TOLD YOU SO to me for two years about this?"

"Mmm could be," he says, imitating bugs bunny.

"Hmmm, you're so sexy when you act like a little kid."

"Are you going to send me to bed without supper?"

"Hmmm. Depends."

"But since we are already in bed..." he growled into her ear.

"Stop screwing rock and roll pretty boys and start screwing me, right?" she asked.

"You know me, hands off... when it comes to some things..." he said.

"But there's some things you've been wanting to say, right?" she asked. "Since I've been spilling to you."

"Yes... as a matter of fact..."

She regarded him curiously, "Your turn to spill it."

"You realize how freaked Trynia was of me?" Gene asked. "She admitted to me that she was freaked to be around me. Because we slept together once."

"And?" Terri asked, stroking up and down his back.

"I asked her opinion of me... And I told her to be honest... and she pretty much said I could be an asshole," he laughed aloud.

"I think you intimidate her," Terri said.

"Who me?" he teased.

"Hell, yes, you," she nudged him firmly.

"She's a shy little thing. But she is learning to have some backbone, and stick up for herself."

"Maybe the fact that you compared her to a teeny tiny little speck of dust in the annals of Kisstory, that COULD have something to do with it," she said, breaking the embrace and shoving him a bit hard.

"Perhaps I was a tad bit harsh," he said, laying on his side and pillowing his head on his hand.

"Perhaps," Terri said, turning on her side away from him.

"Make that pretty much a dumb ass," he corrected himself. "Truth is, I was more freaked out that Paul was threatening to walk."

"But you've received your scolding on this topic on a prior occasion, so your place on the couch is safe for now," she said, turning over to face him again.

"You made her feel very small, Gene. Love her or not, she's still going to marry the lead singer and that makes her a VERY big part of what's going on."

"I know. Believe me I KNOW," he said with a sigh. "Because as you know, she says walk and Paul packs his bags. And if it makes it any better, I DID apologize."

"Which is something that maybe I should have done." she reflected sadly.

"You still have time."

"Tomorrow morning, I promise. Once we are both out of the arms of this champagne buzz, I'll have a talk with him, and we'll bury this sucker deep into the ground."

"Good..." Gene said, kissing her lightly. "One nice thing is, Trynia wasn't so scared to death of me to give me a kiss on the cheek."

"That's a first! Now SPEAKING of burying things deeper...." she whispered, licking his ear teasingly. He breathed into her ear and kisses her again, more deeply. His strong arms closed around her and pulled her close to his large body.

"Now THIS is what I've wanted all along," she murmured.

"Mm what?" he whispered, through kisses. He stroked and massaged her back with his hands, holding her closely and tightly. Rolling her over onto her back, he lay on top of her, pulling the blankets around them. He enjoyed the feel of her beneath him, settling comfortably into place.

"Just to be with someone who wants me back." she whispered. "And not to be anybody's second choice."

"Always," he whispered, peeling her robe off of her. "I wanted you from the start... And when I looked into your eyes when we first did this... I KNEW that it meant far more then I could have imagined..." he whispers.

"And I'm still your number one fan," she reached up and tweaked his nose. "The other girls can keep those damn pouting pretty boys. Me, I want to have a nice... big... furry... evil... teddy bear."

"Now you know where I got the idea for the KISS bears," he whispered. He laughed and stroked his tongue down her neck.

"Hmmm, I thought they were for girls who weren't lucky enough to have their own," she said.

"Generally...." he nodded, shifting her to his side and twining her legs in his.

"I have to admit this is a nice bed. It has possibilities. But it needs something..." she commented, reaching for his towel and tugging it off.

"A mirror over it perhaps," he whispered. "I like to see what I'm getting into..."

She laughed, "Pun DEFINITELY intended right?"

"MMM you know it." He growled again.

"Well, I guess the question is, do you want to stay here tonight or sneak on over to our nice, familiar, MIRRORED bed."

"Mm, I had been thinking about that," Gene said.

"It's your call, love," Terri panted, reluctant to take her own suggestion.

"I hate to get out of this nice comfort zone however..." Gene sighed. "And it is rather late..."

"But YOU'RE going over there and telling them we're leaving," she said firmly.

"I'm NOT leaving this bed, and neither are you... at least not yet," Gene announced, pulling her under the sheets and rolling on top of her.

"And there's just something so decidedly wicked and high schoolish about using a condom that you've been carrying in your wallet," she smiled, relaxing under him as the water bed sagged under their combined weight, enclosing them like a cloud of comfort.

"I figured you would enjoy that," Gene grinned. "It's like sneaking into your parents' room and making love on their brass bed. With your high school sweetheart."

"Oh, now THAT is an erotic image, my sweets," she giggled. "Do you have any idea what my mother would have done if she had walked in on her angelic daughter screwing GENE SIMMONS?"

"Making love in their brass bed while they're away..." he purred, licking her neck and caressing her breasts with one hand between them. "She probably would have had your old man shoot me. Or else pulled the trigger herself."

"Darling, you KNOW what it does to me when you quote your lyrics in bed," she purred.

"I know..." he growled softly back.

"You've have taken a bullet in the ass for me, right, Hon?" she winked.

He lightly nipped her in the neck. She squealed a bit loudly.

"Mmm, any shot in the ass... especially my ass..." he laughed. "My fat ass."

Reaching down his back she caressed his butt, pinching it affectionately as she did with Paul's so long ago. She scolded, "Hush, you. I happen to think that the REAL million dollar ass belongs on your fine form."

"Why thank you, 'mdear." he whispered, pulling her close. "And I happen to think that I've had the privilege of handling the best set of breasts I've had the fortune to encounter..."

Leaning up, he straddled her between his thighs. Lightly he cupped her breasts, and fingered her now erect nipples. He stroked his finger over the Demon design she has over the left.

"Only you would rank me above a Playmate of the year." she smiled.

"Well you have a pair of breasts most of them would die for... or pay a fortune in plastic surgery for." So saying, he moved down and suckled at her chest, licking her with his tongue. His hands gripped her back tightly as he continued to hold her.

"Gene...thank you...." she whispered into the darkness.

"What for?" he asked, moving up.

"Listening to all my garbage. Not kicking me out of this bed for talking about another man. Holding off the sex brigade while I whined for a few. Those sort of things."

"It's my job, sweetheart," he answered, as he heard the sound of foil lined paper ripping.

"And thanks for never running out on me," she continued, reaching down his body with a touch that made him shiver.

"You're most welcome," he answered. Slowly and reverently, he entered her, claiming her for his own again.

Downstairs, Trynia wandered into the living room, presumably scanning for empty glasses. In reality, she scanned for the mood of the room, and its occupant. Her initial observation yielded the scene of Paul seated before the fire, dark eyes pensively gazing into its flickering crackle. Between his hands, he clutched a glass of champagne, rolling it back and forth. As casually as she could, she moved forth to pick up the empty glass near him. Taking a damp rag, she wiped up a bit of spilled droplets to the side of the empty bottle. He glanced up from his distraction and gave her a faint smile.

"Better get these cleaned up..." she said.

"Hon, don't worry about those. Let's get them tomorrow."

"You sure?"

"Positive. Christine will take care of it." Paul said, taking her hand.

"I know you hate messes..." Trynia muttered. "I just want to make sure it's tidy... just a Merin thing..."

"Tell you what. I'll be here just a minute more, then I'll take care of them on my way out."

"Are you sure?" Trynia asked.

"After all, Terri and I made the mess," Paul laughed ironically.

"Ah. Well still..." Trynia said, grabbing the bottle from him. "It's my job to help out around here."

"Huh...yeah...sure." he said, rather distractedly.

"Paul, you look exhausted..." she commented. He reached up and touched her belly with affection.

"Well it has been a long day honey."

"Gene mentioned that I seem a LOT further along then I should be..." Trynia continued, sitting down next to him. "But he tried in his MOST indelicate way to point it out..."

"Hon, I told you that you worry too much. I'm sure everything is just fine with the baby."

"Go figure... he mentioned twins?" Trynia chuckled.

"Umm, twins. Yes, that's...uh...occurred to me."

"I don't think so. But I wonder... I AM showing pretty much," she said slowly. "I mean Terri was showing a month or so later. I'm about four months, and I'm already starting to bulge out.... I feel bloated and unwieldy."

"Well, at your last visit, you were right on schedule, but I don't know. You just seem BIGGER than I expected, that's all. Maybe you just need to have Cindy check it out."

"I think that would be best. Maybe I can see her tomorrow for an ultrasound?" Trynia suggested, still sensing he was not ready to confess the topic of a disturbing conversation with her friend. "I just feel... like there is a LOT more there then just one baby... it's really strange..."

"I'd give her a call, if that would make you feel better. Maybe it's a combination of things. I was kind of a big baby. That could be your answer."

"I mean I don't know what I should feel if...." Trynia muttered, then tapered off into silence. She sensed he needed comfort, but was physical comfort appropriate under these circumstances.

"If what? It's twins?" he asked.

"I am already getting stretch marks," she laughed casually, trying to lighten his mood. "But my mom always said they were a mom's badge of honor..."

He leaned over and kisses her lightly, "Now don't EVEN think about sitting her and putting yourself down because I WON'T have it."

"I'm not putting myself down lover..." she reassured him. "In fact, I think I feel pretty good. I feel so... happy..."

"You look absolutely beautiful, and whatever is happening to you is totally natural and meant to be."

"You know Paul, I really and TRUELY feel it." She announced. "It's like talking to Gene... was WHAT I needed."

"Hmmm, it does seem a bit early, but maybe we miscalculated the date of conception. Or maybe, you're right. Maybe there's more than one star critter in there." he chuckled.

"Well he did mention that I might want to get a nanny... to help out... if you guys go on tour..." Trynia probed carefully. "And even though I was thinking of going into business with Terri... if you and Gene are on tour... well..."

"I think you're absolutely going to need help. I mean.... Err...WE are going to need help. I mean, there will be places that we might need to go, to be seen, and someone is going to need to be available to watch the baby."

"Yes. I had thought Christine might be a good choice..." she nodded, sure that reassuring him of her devotion would be a good addition to her arsenal. "And Paul, I don't think I want to be separated from you, regardless of whether I work with Terri or not... I WANT to be with you..."

"Make sure you pick someone you can live with, because you are practically going to be living with her there for awhile. You know how things get on the road, love. I'll be fairly scarce for most of the day, and the selfish party of me is going to want you all to myself once I can finally break away."

"I also thought of taking Gina along," she added, further reiterating her appreciation of his provided help. "I like both of them. They're like a pair of second and third hands to me..."

"Chris would love that, you know."

"And I'd miss them... if I didn't have them along... for company."

"Just so that we have our time ALONE, if you know what I mean," Paul added, taking her hand and squeezing it tightly.

"Yes. Completely," she said, leaning her head on his shoulder and cuddling up to him.

"I'm a patient man, as long as I'm getting what I NEED." he poked her in a teasing fashion. She could still tell the distance.

"Whatever you desire, love," she whispered, and kissed his cheek. She threaded her arm through his and leaned her head against his shoulder. He sighed, almost unaware that he has done so, and peered into the fire again. Trynia opened her mouth to say something, but then stopped. She simply wrapped her arm around him and kissed his ear softly. He sat deep in thought, then suddenly broke away to look at her.

"Sounds like you have everything in order then," he said in a forced cheerful voice.

"Yes... but I get the feeling you don't," Trynia said softly. "Are you worried about my little outburst this afternoon... because if you are... I think I kind of overreacted..."

"Tryn, have you ever had something happen to you, and instead of dying like it should over time, it keeps coming back to kick you in the ass again and again?"

"Yes... I have... actually," Trynia admitted.

"How many times...do I have to say I'm sorry?" he muttered with exasperation.

"Lover, you shouldn't have to keep apologizing. Not if you've forgiven yourself. And that's HARD." Trynia said firmly, gripping his shoulder.

"Nah, honey, it's not you at all."

"Hmm, I take it that it's something in the past you thought was handled, but now it's come back to haunt you..." Trynia rubbed her chin, pursing her lips in thought. "But you are reluctant to tell me WHAT it is..."

"It's this whole thing with Terri. Come to find out, she's not quite over the damn thing, and what starts out as a nice evening of champagne and Beatles tunes, turns into a Bash Paul fest."

"Oh jeez, I'm sorry," Trynia sighed. "She's still not over the fact of what happened between you guys is she?"

"I'm not sure how much of the story I told you, but I was frankly pretty much of a prick when it came to her. I sort of lead her on.... Hell, I DID lead her on.... But all the time, I was being pulled back to Linda and her conniving ways."

"Would it help to talk about it?" Trynia asked. "I mean I'm NOT going to be jealous of Terri. And I KNOW how high strung she can be when it comes to holding grudges..."

"It would, actually. I cant' talk to Gene. I TRIED to talk to Terri, but everything I said almost made it seem more and more hopeless."

"Well then, I think we SHOULD talk..." Trynia said firmly. Taking his hand, she softly kissed it, in a reversal of what he often did to soothe her.

He erupted in a short burst of quiet anger, "Damn it, Tryn, how many TIMES do I have to look at her and feel like shit over this? How many more? It's not like we were friggin' ENGAGED or something. I feel TERRIBLE, as I should I suppose, but God. WHAT do I do?"

"You need to FORGIVE YOURSELF first," she said quietly. "Everyone who goes through breakups has problems."

"I'm TRYING to, but every time I feel like it's finally gone, there it comes again. Tryn, I had no idea this was still bothering her like this. We've never really been close after the whole incident, that's to be expected, but I never figured she was carrying this whole load of baggage about me STILL," Paul slapped his thigh.

"And Terri should realize how HARD it is to let go of a past love. Especially since I'm sure she had an ex lover... who she couldn't get over..." Trynia continued. "And I don't mean you. She told me about her ex boyfriend Leo... and how she still carries a torch for him... She told me one time about when Leo ran into her at a science convention, and it caused a LOT of waves between her and Gene..."

"Yeah, Gene's told me about him as well. So why is she suddenly so unable to get over this? She's never forgiven me for Linda, and I had no idea she was so mad. So what can I do? I TOLD her I was sorry and she said that only made it worse. OK, so then, I GIVE UP!" he shouted, rising from the sofa.

"It sounds to me," she said, taking his hand. "That TERRI is the one with the problem, not you. You've gotten on with your lives. Maybe she's jealous of the fact you've found someone FINALLY that you want to marry... and its finally working out for you? And she just so happens to be very SIMILAR to what Terri was..."

Paul turned around, taking Trynia's hands and standing over her. "That's not exactly how she sees it, love. She thinks I'm some kind of horrible person. One minute, I think we've patched it up. Hell, she tells me I'm like her favorite brother. Next thing I know, she's all weepy eyed again. I dare to ask her what's wrong, and I get the whole mess right in my lap."

"Don't forget she was DRINKING," Trynia glanced up, reminding him. "And Terri hardly EVER drinks."

"I'm not perfect.... God knows that. I've cheated on girlfriends before, and they've cheated on me. Yes, OK, I did cheat on her, but really, were we ever going steady? Was it really cheating? Hell, I cheated on YOU once and you forgave me. I just feel so helpless, and so frustrated," said Paul with a sigh. "And no, the champagne didn't help at all."

"Well look at it this way. You were broken up from Linda, right?" Trynia said.

"And Terri started out as a casual relationship right?"

"Yeah, at the time, but..." Paul started, then shook his head. "She feels like I lead her on and maybe I did."

"But neither of you knew how intense it could get. You were LONELY, and Terri seemed to be what you needed at that time. But you still loved Linda because she's the mother of your child," Trynia nodded. "You thought in your mind if you could just get it right this time... maybe Linda would take you back... "

"I'm a cautious guy, sweetheart. You remember when we started going out. I told you when I wasn't capable of making a commitment. It's not like I was some kind of a son of a bitch about it, right?"

"No, you were VERY clear about the boundaries," she nodded. "I expected that it wouldn't last, Paul. I Never thought that you and I would be engaged a year or so later."

"And if Linda hadn't turned out to be such a wacko, we probably still would have been together, mainly because of Aaron."

"Yes, Paul. That child is a bond between you. But what you and Terri shared was a song, not a child."

"But you accepted what I had to offer and that made everything OK. My big mistake was I wasn't that clear with Terri, and she's never forgiven me for it."

"Yes. But Terri HAS to realize that if it weren't for your screw up, she and Gene would Never have been together," Trynia pointed out. "So she OWES you a big debt of gratitude in a perverse way..."

"Yeah, that is true... now that you mention it," Paul muttered. He sat next to her again, his thigh touching hers. "And explain this to me. Gene takes women whenever he wants; however, he wants, and apparently, she can handle that. ME, however, I make one mistake...OK, maybe not ONE, but I make a mistake, and WHAM. We were not even engaged or betrothed or whatever the heck she and Gene are."

"It seems to me, that Terri has unrealistic expectations of you," Trynia said softly. "Because you were her FANTASY. And we always are harder on our fantasies then we are on real people. And how can she judge you, when she's slept with Bruce... behind Gene's back?"

"I'm just sick of having to feel SORRY. I'm really trying. I love Terri, in my own strange way. She's my best friend's woman, and the four of us are like glue, but if she can't get over this, how much longer am I expected to play the bad guy?" Paul snapped. "And that sitting here in 2002, I am engaged and about to be a father again, and she is engaged, or whatever Gene calls it, and a mother. At some point, we have to move beyond this 'Paul, you insensitive ass' thing."

Trynia seized his face between her hands, fixing his gaze into hers as she said,

"The NEXT time she brings this up, you're going to have to be firm and say you've apologized enough. That you like her as a friend, but that you had hoped that you could stop dwelling in the past and concentrate on the future. She might hate you for that, but she HAS to get over this. It's crimping things with her and Gene for sure."

"I know Tryn... but..."

"She's being insensitive if you ask me. Bringing up something of two years ago... If she's still hurting that is understandable, but she's going to have to learn to DEAL."

"I don't know, Tryn. Maybe I'm the guy giving her an audience. Maybe she has this emotion pent up and she thinks that if she unburdens on Gene, he'll tell her to grow up."

"Exactly," Trynia nodded.

"I would. Gene's not exactly Mr. Sensitivity, and I guess that maybe that's what I've become, because she knows I won't tell her to get over herself." he sighs.

"You know WHAT Gene said to me?" Trynia asked.

"No, but I want to. Maybe it will help me piece this together."

"He apologized to me. IN his own roundabout way," Trynia said with a hint of a smile on her face. "And I forgave him, and before I knew it he was giving me this big old bear hug, and I didn't feel awkward anymore... strange huh?"

"Good, he needs to, because Gene, despite his own personal opinion is NOT the king of all that is Kiss. I held this band together as much, if not more than, he did."

"Yes, you are so right lover. He actually behaved like a human being, and we were joking about obscene Bendee poses over milk and cookies. What else did Terri Talk about?"

He smiled a bit, "She did something horrid to my f***cking Mego doll. She didn't say what. Probably reminiscent of Lorena Bobbitt."

"Well did you tell her about what I did to Gene's action figure? In the fireplace?"

"Uhhhh, well, it did slip."

"Good," Trynia laughed. "I have no shame in admitting that."

"She told me about the bendees too, and it gave me some plenty wicked ideas."

"I can imagine," Trynia laughed.

He grew quiet a moment. He noticed she had something in her hand, and it's the Ace, Paul, and Peter bendees. She took the Peter one, and set it down separate from the Ace one, and puts a Gene one faced off with Ace on the coffee table before him. He watched her with amusement.

"That Ace or Tommy?" he smiled.

"That's Ace bitching Gene out..." she laughed.

"And don't tell me you have a Cathy Chemist doll who's going to come out and kick me in the nuts." he grinned. She reached into her dress pocket, pulled out an Agent Scully x files figure, and puts it opposite Paul. He grabbed his bendee doll and imitated Terri, "PAULLLLL, you insensitive bastard. Damn, I'd better shut up. She's likely to hear me all the way up there."

She took the Gene bendee and put it on top of the x files Agent Scully doll

And starts to pretend like they're having sex, and experimenting with different positions.

"Now see, how could a woman who's getting THAT kind of satisfaction even waste a second pining away about little old me?" Paul chuckled.

"I know, right?" Trynia laughed, and tossed the two dolls down.

His eyes twinkled a bit, "She DID say I was a world class lover though. The best ever."

"Oh did she now?" Trynia laughed. She grabbed the bendee from him and pushed it in her cleavage to be funny.

"Hmmm, well, maybe not. I think it was something more along the lines of a slow burning fire. I'm still not exactly sure if that's a damn compliment or not."

"I think she was just saying she appreciates the difference between you and Gene," Trynia observed. "And that she always can look back on your time together... with some fondness..."

"Either that or she's implying it takes me too damn long to get an erection," he teased.

"Oh gimme a break," Trynia sighed.

"Add THAT to my list of transgressions too." he smiled, leaning way back on the couch. He closed his eyes. She pulled the bendee figure out of her blouse and regarded it with a chuckle.

Paul continued to speak with his eyes closed, "The whole time she's talking to me, verbally whipping me, all I can think is how terribly much I just want to go to bed."

"They did get your face looking reasonably well," she commented, holding it in both her hands.

"I look too skinny in that one," he said, opening one eye. "Todd McFarlane did me better. I at least look like I have some muscles in his figures."

"And to think I have the real deal right here..." she smiled, reaching over and rubbing his chest.

"Bastard that he may be," he smiles, eyes closed again. The champagne hit full force, driving away his strength to fight the encroaching doubt. It was so easy to think it was his entire fault, to succumb to the self-blame again of two years past.

"You're MY bastard," she said, laying her head and shoulders across his lap. Stretching out she lay her legs across the sofa, cradling her head and shoulders on his knees.

He grinned, "My mom would just LOVE to hear you say that."

"Well your mom and dad do good work," she laughed. Paul twisted a lock of her hair around his fingers.

Shutting his eyes tightly in a comical fashion, he groaned, "Oh, great, now I've got a scary mental image in my head of my mom and dad...."

"Doing what?" she laughed.

"Godddddddddddddddddddd, don't make me say it!" he begged.

"Please do..." she urged, liking the sound of his laughter.

"I can't even IMAGINE my poor dad having to please my mom. She nags him if he picks a bad RESTAURANT" Paul laughed harder.

"Oh my gosh that is HILLARIOUS!" she giggled spasmodically.

"Dear, you aren't WAITING long enough... or is that the BEST you can do? Two minutes dear?" she imitated his parents accents.

"If you think I'M going to walk around all night with that sticky stuff getting everywhere...." Paul added, breathless. For the next five minutes, they laughed out of control, neither one able to stop. Only a look from the first would set the second off, and likewise. Hugging their sides, they gasped for self-control.

When they finally were able to look at each other without setting off a mirthful reaction, Trynia gasped, "what do you say to taking this party upstairs, lover?"

"I'd say that was an excellent idea, love," Paul smiled. Leaning forwards, he rose from the sofa with a grunt of effort. Over his head, he raised his hands, stretching up on his toes. He turned back to the sofa, and extended a hand to Trynia.

"Shall we?" he smiled warmly. She glanced up at him, a smile spreading over her face, and placed her hand in his. The long fingers closed around hers firmly, and tugged her up to stand beside him. Hand in hand, they adjourned to their bedchamber.

*********************

On the edge of sleep, she was poised, face down in soft silk, and body cocooned in satin. The presence of sound flickered in her ears, and she shifted slightly onto her side. Faintly she could hear a familiar Scottish tinged English accent speaking over funky sixties styled music, a series of low tones overtop a twanging guitar solo.

Then a shot of brass pierced the pattern, alerting her to the identity of the theme.

"Bond," she muttered. "James Bond..."

A hand reached down and stroked her bared shoulder, whispering, "Shh, go back to sleep baby..."

Murmuring again, she turned over onto her back. Out of the corner of one open eye, she glimpsed Paul alongside her; sheets pulled up to his waist. Light glinted off his reading glasses, something she hardly ever saw him wear till more recently. They were only for reading up close, or when his eyes were fatigued. Still when she first saw him don them, she felt a sense of fond familiarity, for she wore glasses almost continuously, till Paul had given her the disposable contact lenses for a valentine's day present. Dark eyes hid behind the lenses, his muscular body's contours outlined in flickering blues and whites from the 36-inch television at the foot of their bed. At that moment he appeared so vulnerable, so forlorn it wrenched her wide awake.

"You're still awake?" she asked, slowly sitting up.

Sheets rose and fell as Paul drew in a sigh. Holding the remote at arm's height, he punched the channel button to flicker to another station. What was it about men and channel changers, she wondered internally? The number of channel changes seemed proportional to the quantity of thoughts racing through a man's mind. Or else, the lateness of the hour corresponded with the seriousness of his demeanor. Glancing at the digital display on the television, she squinted to make out the blurred numbers.

"Just catching a late movie," Paul muttered.

"Uh huh," she said, straightening up and leaning against his arm. Softly she pressed a kiss to the firm biceps and wrapped her hands around and under it. As still as a statue he continued to sit, and absently flip channels.

"Why do I get the sense you're not going to go back to sleep, Hon?" Paul asked softly.

"Knowing you're not sleeping doesn't exactly inspire me to return to slumberland, lover," Trynia answered him.

"I just can't sleep," Paul answered simply, stopping on the Weather Channel.

"Well ordinarily that channel might work," Trynia joked. Paul smiled weakly in response.

"I don't think it's working," he sighed.

"Perhaps... you need a little incentive... to you know... hmm wear you out..."

So saying she sidled up to him, rubbing his abs with her other hand. Leaning up she kissed him softly on the ear, darting her tongue lightly along its sensitive rim. She nibbled on his earlobe delicately, brushing his soft hair aside.

"I know what you're doing, sweetheart, and I appreciate it," Paul said, turning to face her. "But I don't' think even THAT will help me sleep..."

"And why not? I thought I had learned from the best... is it possible you're not in the mood?" she asked, as he failed to respond.

"I'm sorry, I just can't... get my mind off this... maybe I should just go downstairs and let you get some sleep... it's been a long day..."

"Now look Paul, are you still worked up over Terri?" Trynia asked.

Again he sighed, and flipped to another channel, the cooking channel this time. Then to ESPN where the World Cup soccer game was playing. Another danger sign, coordinating between men and sports, the long game, she observed. The more interested in sports a man was over sex, the more she knew this was a serious funk.

"I just can't get past it..." Paul murmured, staring into the depths of the TV, as if it were a campfire. Flickering lights played over his face in a very similar manner.

"Why not?" Trynia asked, feeling her frustration mount.

"I don't know," Paul answered. "I can't answer it. It's just... taken hold of me, and I can't get it out of my mind... I close my eyes and I can still see her bitching me out in that dressing room... the sound of her voice and the anger inside of it..."

"Paul, when are you going to let it go?" Trynia asked.

"It's not something I can turn off and on like a light switch," Paul muttered in frustration, squeezing his eyes shut. "Terri can't let it go. You know how she was... she's probably in there now telling Gene everything, and they'll BOTH give me grief tomorrow!"

"Paul, you don't know that for sure," Trynia shook her head. "For all you know, they're probably fast asleep by now..."

"Tryn, she was so bitter... I don't think..."

"Paul she was drunk," Trynia reminded him. "Ten to one she won't remember a word of this tomorrow..."

"But you know what they say about people under the influence, speaking what's REALLY on their mind, don't you?" Paul asked. "You're a scientist... you know that alcohol..."

"Yes, but I also know that Terri isn't used to consuming that much ethanol, and people who get drunk who don't have a tolerance, tend to not remember what they said..."

"But Gene will..." Paul bit his lip, sucking in his cheeks. "And who's to say she won't? I just can't understand why she won't let it go. How many damn times do I have to say I'm sorry?"

"Paul..." she sighed. "You HAVE to let it go..."

"Terri won't. If she can't after two years..."

"Then FORGET her," Trynia said firmly, grabbing the remote. "Screw what she thinks! You CAN'T go on like this!"

"I can't forget how she spoke to me!" Paul answered. "Tryn, I just KNOW she's NEVER going to let it go... and its all my damn fault for messing up her life!"

"Now I KNOW you're being ridiculous," Trynia snapped. "She HAS to get over it. It's NOT your fault! It's not fair of her to bottle it up and carry a grudge for so long! Have you ever considered that SHE has a share in the guilt when she can't get on with her life?"

"You shouldn't get upset," Paul muttered, getting out of the bed. "It's not good for the baby..."

"You're damn right it isn't," Trynia answered, leaping up before he could reach the door. "And it's not good for US for you to keep beating yourself up..."

"Don't you think I know that?" he asked. "Look, I'll just go downstairs. It's obvious I'm upsetting you here..."

"If you WALK out that door Paul, it won't make this go away, and it WON'T make me feel any better," Trynia answered firmly, standing between him and the door. "You HAVE to put an end to this TOMORROW. SCREW what she thinks of you. She's got the problem, and you have to GET OVER THIS now!"

"Great, now I've got YOU angry at me," he snorted. "That's PERFECT!"

"Don't put words into my mouth, darling," she pleaded, hands on his shoulders. "I HATE seeing you tear yourself up. Don't you think for a moment that perhaps SHE might need help for carrying this around for so long? You've move don with your life, and she should too. If she loves Gene she will find a way to cope..."

"But..."

"Paul, Please, for the baby's sake, TALK to her tomorrow, and give her an ultimatum. If you and Gene are friends, she will have to live with us being married. If not, then it's tough darts for her. She's got to deal... Either she forgives you and moves on, or she keeps her mouth shut..." Trynia said firmly, steel in her voice that Paul had only heard a few times before. "And Gene will make sure that she will stick to that."

"As if it's EASY for him to keep her under control," Paul muttered.

"Why not? You've got ME trained, right?" she laughed. "Besides, she's only hurting herself in the long run, remember? You've got a woman who loves you with her whole heart, who only wants you to be happy. Are you going to let Terri ruin that?"

"It's not that simple..."

"It is," Trynia said. "And it isn't. The first step is talking to her tomorrow..."

Violently he combed his fingers through his curls, making them stand on end. Another sigh pierced the silence and he held out his other hand in frustration to protest, "But..."

"Paul... stop making excuses, please," Trynia urged. "Stop letting her hurt you. If she keeps it up, she'll hurt her relationship with Gene. You don't want your best friend to be hurt too by this do you?"

"No I don't..."

"Then take charge of this, instead of letting it take charge of you... please... promise me you'll at least TRY to talk to her... when she's in a sober frame of mind... and if she tells you to get lost or jump off a cliff, Gene can talk some sense into her... either way, if she has ANY respect for her friendship for me, or for him, or herself she'll listen. And if she needs to, she'll get help."

"Hmm, I guess I can't convince you otherwise, huh?" Paul asked. "You're one tough stubborn woman, Tryn..."

"I know. I learned from the best..." she countered.