Four Months Previous

Carmens left hand reached out in search of Shane, but all she found were cool sheets. Sitting up in bed, Carmen glanced at the clock which read 3:23, Shanes flight was not due to leave until 10:45, so Carmen knew that she wasnt getting ready to leave. Getting out of bed, Carmen grabbed her robe off the floor and felt cool silk glide over her naked form.

Carmen made her way through the open, airy hallways of their home in search of her lover. When she finally found Shane, Shane was standing in the kitchen holding a glass of water, and staring out the window; watching the rain fall. Hearing the sound of Carmens bare feet against the hardwood of the floor, Shane turned around.

Hey, did I wake you? Shane said, her voice little more than a whisper

No, I just reached for you and you werent there. I missed you. Carmen said, making her way closer to her girlfriend slowly

Im sorry. Shane said, taking in the sight of the goddess before her. As their years together passed, Shane swore that Carmen couldnt be any more beautiful, but each year she was proven wrong. It was not only Carmens physical features that she found attractive, as anyone who looked at the way Carmens raven hair flowed over her shoulders, or the swell of her breasts, or even her pronounced abs could see that Carmen was aesthetically pleasing. It was Carmens understanding that blew Shanes mind. When Shane, after three years of knowing Carmen, had finally told her of her time on the streets, including the things she had done to get by, Carmen had simply kissed Shanes forehead, professed her love, and cried for the fact that Shane had had to live that life. Carmen was not quite as understanding when Shane had slept with Cherie Jaffe, and even less understanding when Shane had cheated on her again a year later with her assistant, Jessica. Carmen had come home early from a project that had been extended three weeks to find Jessica lying naked in their bed, and Shane walking out of their bathroom, fully dressed. It was the first time Carmen had ever really slapped someone before in her life, and Shane was still feeling it days later.

Carmen and Shane didnt speak to each other for another two weeks until they ran into each other at an industry party. Carmen couldnt help but worry about Shane, as she had dark circles under her eyes and had lost a significant amount of weight; which made Shane look sick and emaciated.

Carmen, baby, Im so sorry. I dont know what I was thinking. Shane said as they stood together, off from the rest of the party goers.

Shane, I just dont understand why Im not enough for you. Carmen began as Shane shook her head no, that Carmen was more than enough for her. I just cant believe you fucked her. Carmen spat out, What is so wrong with me that you feel the need to sneak off and sleep with some blonde with big tits? Does it trouble you so much that I love you? That I took you back after you cheated on me last year? Do I not satisfy you? Carmen said, her voice having come to a whisper

No, Carmen, no. I love you so much that it hurts me sometimes.

Then why? Why would you do this to me again? With your assistant of all people. I was only gone for a few weeks. You couldnt keep it in your pants until I got home? Carmen said looking Shane straight in the eyes
.
Ive fired Jessica. I told her what happened was a mistake and that I only want to be with you. Shane said, reaching for Carmens hand, I really want to work things out. I dont know how much longer I can go on without you. Shane said, reaching out to bring Carmen closer to her, craving more contact. But Carmen was resistant.

Shane you cant just say that youre sorry and get me back. That happened last time. Carmen said, putting more distance between them

Ill do anything. Shane said, her eyes watering

I want to take things slowly this time.


Shane had readily agreed to whatever Carmen wanted. Holding her more carnal urges in check for the next 6 weeks, until Carmen allowed her back into their new bed in their new apartment. In the six weeks, Shane and Carmen simply dated like any celibate couple, except they lived together. It was painful for Shane to say the least, as she was used to having Carmen whenever she wanted her; whether it be a quickie at Carmens studio during lunch, or first thing in the morning before they got up for work. Shane had realized that Carmen was punishing her for her indiscretion, which was more than understandable, but six weeks?
Shane and Carmen decided that it would be best to have an overhaul of their relationship. They bought a new apartment together, saw a counselor once a week at Carmens insistence, and spent more time together just hanging out.

Baby? Carmen asked, bringing Shane out of her thoughts with her questioning tone and her right hand on Shanes jaw.

Sorry, I just zoned out for a minute. Shane said, wrapping her arms around Carmens waist, pulling her closer. I love you. Shane said, kissing Carmen fully on the lips.

Are you sure everything is alright? Carmen asked, laying her head on Shanes shoulder, as her girlfriend tightened her hold on her, running a hand slowly up and down her back

I just wanted you to know that I will marry you someday. Shane whispered

Carmen pulled away slightly from her girlfriend to look at her. Last night, at the Morales home, Carmens older sister, Olivia, had announced that she was engaged to her boyfriend of less than a year, Rodrigo. They had celebrated the announcement, but Carmen couldnt help but notice that everyone was wondering when Shane would propose to Carmen as they had been dating for five years.

You dont have to promise me anything, Shane. Carmen said, running her right hand over the white shirt Shane was wearing, rubbing her hard abs. Lets go back to bed baby; you have a busy day ahead.
I know that it hurts you that I havent made that commitment to you yet. I just need a little more time. Shane said

Youve got all the time in the world, sweetheart. Carmen said, wrapping her arms around Shanes neck and getting on the balls of her feet to give Shane a kiss.

Tilting her head to the right, Shane deepened the kiss, having asked Carmen permission for entrance by running her tongue lightly over her lips. Carmen moaned as Shane moved them so that Carmens back was now against the counter. Bending down slightly, Shane helped boost Carmen onto the counter.
Pulling away from Shanes mouth, Carmen teasingly said, I dont know how sanitary this is, baby.

Are you trying to spoil the mood? Shane asked in an equally teasing tone, as she pulled on the ties of Carmens robe to reveal the prize beneath. All joking was aside as Shane bent and captured Carmens left nipple in her mouth. Carmen wrapped her legs around Shanes waist and pulled her closer, only to loosen her hold when she felt Shanes right hand wander down her body. Pulling herself away from Carmens breast, Shane gave Carmen a quick kiss on the lips before kissing her way down Carmens body. Fuck, baby. Carmen sighed followed by a moan, as she rocked against Shanes mouth and ran her hands through Shanes hair.

Shane had always thought she would grow tired of a partner after several encounters, but five years later, Shanes lips and tongue had yet to dull to Carmens taste. Carmen had always been an enthusiastic partner, screaming explicatives in both English and Spanish, and always finding a way to increase the pleasure for herself and Shane, whether it be throwing her leg over Shanes shoulder as Shane rode her or her dirty talk: telling Shane to do things to her that could even make a former Casanova like Shane blush.

Coming down from her high, Carmen hardly noticed Shane pick her up and carry her back to their bedroom. When the world stopped spinning, Shane was naked and climbing into bed. Settling herself in-between Carmens spread legs, Shane kissed her lover. Im going to miss this. Miss you. Carmen said lifting her legs to wrap around Shanes waist as Shane began to moved against her. Shane buried her face into Carmens neck and reveled in Carmens panting and moans as she sought to bring both herself and Carmen to ecstasy. Carmen kissed Shanes shoulder and reached down to grab Shanes rear, to encourage her even more. Minutes later, as Carmen let out a broken cry, Shane let herself go and came with her girlfriend.

Present Day
2:30 PM


Hello. Carmen spoke into her phone as she walked from the spa to her car with her sister, Olivia, who had been married a month ago.

Hey Carmen, would you mind stopping by my place? Ive got something to give to you. Kit said

Can it wait until tonight? Ive still got to go home and get ready. Carmen said, starting up her convertible

No, it cant. I promise you it will only take a minute. Kit said

Okay, Ill be there in a little bit. Carmen said, trying to think of a quick way to get to Kits place that wouldnt leave them tied up in traffic as Carmen lived twenty minutes away from her place on a good day.

Where are we going? Olivia asked her younger sister

Um, Kit wants me to stop by her place to pick something up. God knows what it is. Carmen said speeding down the street



3:19 PM

Carmen parked in Kits driveway, and quickly got out of the car. Ringing the doorbell on the side entrance to the house, Kit answered the door in a matter of seconds; she must have been in the kitchen. Hey! Kit said excitedly, ushering Carmen into her home.

Hey, Kit. I cant stay long. I still have to drop Olivia off and get ready.

I know, and Ive got just the thing for you. Kit said gesturing for Carmen to follow her into her living room.

Here you are. Kit said pointing out the Dior garment bag and the Manolo Blahniks.

Kit you really didnt need to get me a dress. Carmen began as she opened the bag to reveal a Kelly green colored cocktail dress, Its beautiful. Carmen said, almost speechless

I didnt get it for you; Shane did. She sent it to the house and asked me to give it to you since she wont be able to make it tonight. Kit said, watching as a far-off look came into Carmens eyes
4:38 PM

Shane was standing in front of the mirror in her underwear doing her hair when she heard her cell phone. Hey, whats up? Shane said into her phone after seeing Carmens name on the display

I got the dress and shoes from Kit. Carmen said

Do you like them? Shane asked

I love them, baby. I just wish you could be here to see me wear them tonight. Carmen said turning into their driveway and pressing the button on the remote for the gate.

Im really sorry about this Carmen. You know if I could be there Shane said before Carmen cut her off
Dont worry about it. When you come home, we can have a private celebration. Carmen said with a smile

You wont be too busy with your new album? Shane asked teasingly

I think Ill be able to squeeze you in. Carmen said, as she opened the door that connected the garage to the house

Thats good to know.

So what are you doing tonight? Carmen asked making her way to their bedroom, outfit in one hand and her cell phone in the other

Um, Im just going out to dinner with James and some potential investors, and then were meeting some other investors tomorrow for lunch. Shane said, leaning against the marble of the counter

Well, I need to go take a bath and get ready. Carmen said, running her hand under the hot water that was gushing out of the tap

Okay, also, Isabel is supposed to come by at 5:40 to do your hair. Shane said

Aww, babe, you didnt have to do that. Carmen said

Its not that big of a deal. I want everything to be perfect for you this evening.

I love you.

I love you, too. Ill let you go so you can get ready. Shane said

Okay, bye.

Bye. Shane said as she closed her phone


8:15 PM

Shane stood in her room, drinking a little scotch to help her relax. She put the glass down, and walked to go look once more in the mirror to make sure everything was just so. Her black slacks had been pressed, as was the white Thomas Pink slim-fit shirt she wore. Her green tie was stylishly loosened and her new pair of black leather Prada shoes were sinfully comfortable. Her most important article of clothing, happened to be her belt buckle however. The buckle had been a Christmas present from Carmen; it was silver with Shanes monogram engraved in the center. Fixing her hair for the umpteenth time, Shane put on her black jacket and gave herself one more once over in the mirror before slipping the ring into her right pants pocket. With a sigh, Shane exited her room.


8:45 PM

So, what do you think? Alice asked as the band, Phoenix, played Everything is Everything

The band is amazing, Ive wanted to see them for so long, but every time they were in town, I was always busy. Carmen said, How did you get them?

Well, Shane called some people, and here they are. She knew that you really wanted to see them. Alice said, taking a glass of champagne from the server

I didnt know Shane was helping you with all this. The place looks amazing by the way. Carmen said, gazing around the transformed Planet. Her family, friends, business partners, and clients seemed to be having a good time dancing, drinking, and eating.

Yeah, Shane probably wouldnt want me to tell you this, but she pretty much planned the whole thing, everything from the band, to the cake, to the colour scheme. Alice said with a smile

She never ceases to amaze me. Carmen said, drinking the last of her glass of champagne

Alice couldnt help a sly smile as to what was in store for Carmen. Shane had arrived through the back door of the Planet some five minutes previous, and was waiting to make her entrance. Alice was tasked to keep Carmen busy and to keep Carmens eyes diverted from where Shane was to make her entrance. The band had just finished their song and their audience was applauding them.

Thank you very much. We would like to once again wish Carmen a happy birthday. Weve had a special request put in to perform this song, our last. So find someone for this one and enjoy the rest of your evening. The lead singer said

Carmen couldnt mistake the opening strings to the song, as Alices date approached her. May I have this dance? a husky voice came from behind her. At first Carmen was confused; the voice sounded so much like Shanes. When she turned around, her voice caught in her throat. There was Shane in all of her glory, smiling with a twinkle in her eye.

Happy Birthday, baby. Shane said as she took a shocked Carmen onto the dance floor


I can only give you love that last forever
And a promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own, for you and you alone
Thats all, thats all.


Shane held Carmen close to her as they moved with the music. Shane sang along, her warm breath tickling Carmens ear.


I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winters night
Thats all, thats all


Carmen had learned several months into their relationship, that Shane was a big fan of older songs. It had come as a surprise to Carmen, who had figured Shane for a rock fan, but she herself had gotten into Shanes choice of music. One evening while they were out to dinner, Carmen had insisted that they dance at least once. Shane had gone to the band and requested that they play Thats All, and since that time, it had been their song.


There are those, I am sure, who have told you
They would give you the world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you
And a love time can never destroy


Tina looked over to Carmen and Shane as they slowly danced to the music. Shane appeared to be singing along with the band, which Tina found to be one of the romantic gestures Shane had ever performed. Tina had been and still was in some cases, a mother figure to Shane. She had encouraged Shanes dream to be a successful hairstylist, believing in her even when Shane couldnt seem to believe in herself. She had also encouraged Shanes relationship with Carmen, seeing how Carmen took care of and loved Shane.


If youre wondering what Im asking in return, dear
Youll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say its me that youll adore
For now and ever more
Thats all, thats all


Carmen felt Shanes fingers as they slowly stroked over the back of her left hand, but it all seemed so surreal. Just that morning, Carmen had been ready to kill Shane after she had called, but nownow Carmen didnt think she could be any more in love with the woman who held her so gently within her arms.


If youre wondering what Im asking in return, dear
Youll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say its me that youll adore
For now and ever more
Thats all, thats all


Shane gave Carmen kiss on the highly sensitive piece of flesh behind her ear, and pulled back slightly to whisper in her ear.

I love you.

Carmen let out a slight laugh, as she gazed up at Shane, tears of joy in her eyes.
I love you, too. Carmen said as she moved to give Shane a kiss.

Breaking away from the brief kiss, Shane said, So, are you surprised?

I dont know whether I should strangle you or jump you. I was so upset this morning, but right now everything is perfect. Carmen said, as Shane led her to the closed off room where she had dinner with her friends and family a few hours earlier.

What are you doing? Carmen asked, as a few prying eyes glanced their way, I was only joking about jumping you here. What would my mother think?
That were madly in love. Shane said as she ushered Carmen through the French door, whose windows had been covered with green curtains.

Carmen gasped as the room had been transformed. Gone was the room she had left, but in its place a candle-lit room, with rose petals covering the floor.

Carmen, you know that I love you more than anything in the world. Shane began as she led Carmen into the center of the room, And I know that you love me with the same amount of passion and vigor; hell, you even took me back after I betrayed you twice. You once told me that we were the real deal, and it took me some time to realize that, to realize that I deserved love just as much as anyone else, and more importantly; that I deserved your love and it wasnt something to be feared, but embraced. Shane said as she slipped her hand into her pocket, Carmen hadnt noticed as she had a slightly confused look on her face as she looked up at Shane. That said, Im hopingShane stated as she got down on one knee that you say yes when I ask: Will you marry me?

Carmens hands went up to her mouth as she saw the ring Shane had purchased for her. It was a 10-ct Asscher-cut diamond that Shane had purchased at Harry Winston while she was in New York. She hadnt wanted to get one of those diamonds that looked like costume jewelry because of their size, but she hadnt wanted to get anything too small either as Carmen was surrounded by bling all day long, and Shane knew that for some reason, large diamonds were very important in the music industry, Shane couldnt, however, bring herself to by a ridiculous looking diamond that weighed Carmens hand down for the sake of impressing someone.

Carmen pulled Shane to her feet and wrapped her arms around Shanes neck, as she kissed her. Shane heard Carmen moan as Shane pulled her close and slipped her tongue in Carmens mouth. Another moan came when Shanes hands drifted lower onto Carmens backside. Breaking away, Shane asked So is that a yes, as maybe?

Of course, yes. Carmen said leaning in for another kiss, Will you put it on me? she asked holding out her left hand

I didnt want to get anything too big, but if you want something bigger we can get one. Shane said as she slipped the platinum band onto Carmens ring finger, leaning in for yet another kiss

No, baby, its perfect. Im so happy. Carmen said

Im glad. Shane said, watching Carmen look at the ring on her finger

Looking back at Shane, Carmen asked When do you have to go back? running her hand over the lapels of Shanes jacket, enjoying the feel of Shane and the material under her hands

Well, Shane started out with a sigh, In the past month, I was able to squeeze at least a month and a half worth of meetings in. So Im thinking Ill be here at least two weeks. I had Kevin only schedule a few appointments; Ill be all yours. This earned Shane another kiss and a grope from Carmen

Weve got a lot of catching up to do. Carmen said

Yes, we do. But right now, we should probably get back out there before they think were starting early. Shane said as she took Carmens right hand in her own.