Marina smiled as she slipped into The Planet on Friday morning. Shed spent some time playing solitaire once shed gotten home from Sadies the evening before, but she still had that tense, pleasing knot deep in her belly everytime she thought of the blonde womans body. Idly, she wondered when Sadie would stop by to pick up her keys.

*-*-*

Sadie felt gentle pressure on the side of the bed, and rolled over to find Mia watching her; chin resting on the mattress, tail swinging gently from side to side, with a tennis ball firmly held between her teeth. Upon seeing Sadies open eyes, Mia released the soggy ball and pushed it towards her mistress.

Gross! Wet ball.yuck, yuck, yuck! Sadie squealed and sat up, flicking the ball through the space between two shoji screens. Mia happily scampered across the living room.

Sadie shook her head. Her body was stiff and sore, but, surprisingly, better than yesterday. She had slept soundly, and looked to the alarm clock: 6:45. She pulled back the sheets, and was surprised to find she was wearing a thong. She thought back to the night before, and suddenly leaned over to peer at the floor beside the bed. Her clothes lay in a pile below her.

She stepped out of bed, and trotted to the kitchen. There beside the two, now clean, wine glasses from the night before was a note. After reading it, Sadie hid her face behind her hands in embarrassment. Geezwhat did I do? she groaned.

*-*-*

At 7:30 Sadie entered The Planet wearing a sheepish grin. Marina noticed her immediately, and nodded to Jean to take over duties at the cash register. Grinning broadly, Marina met Sadie with a light kiss on the cheek.

Feeling better, cher? She asked.

Mmmmm, I think so. Sadie was obviously uncomfortable and bouncing from toe to toe. Marina, about last night..

Marina continued to smile and said nothing.

Sadie swallowed and continued, Yeah..about last nightummmMarina, uh, when exactly did you leave?

You dont remember then? Marinas face held a hint of disappointment. I left after, cher.

After? Sadies voice practically squeaked.

Marina burst out with her rich laugh. After you went to sleep, Sadie! Not after, after. We only kissed.

Sadies shoulders slumped in relief, only to tense up again as Marina continued, You did give me a strip tease though!

God.I am so embarrassedI thought I might have done something like that when I saw my clothes beside the bed.

Not your thongyou were wearing that when I left. Marina added helpfully, with a smirk on her face.

Sadie ran her fingers through her hair and blushed deeply. Marina patted her on the cheek and said, more seriously, You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Sadie. You were lovely, and very, very out of it with the wine and Loritab. And stepping back, she let her eyes wander down Sadies body and repeated, Definitely, nothing to be embarrassed about.

Sadie finally smiled and said. Rightso, then, were OK?

Yeswere definitely OK. Nowlet me get you a latte and a scone, and you should head back to the courtyard. I think Dana would like to talk with you. But before you goI was wonderingcan I cook dinner for you on Saturday night? Id love to have you come over.Mia is welcome too.

Sadie grinned and nodded. Id like that very much.and Mia will too.

Marina enveloped Sadies body with a light hug, and Sadie felt her keys slip into her pocket.

*-*-*

Sadie entered the courtyard, and was immediately hailed by Dana. Yo PeachIve been hoping youd show up!

Sadie walked over to the table occupied by Dana and Tina. Thats a much warmer reception than last nights Dana. Hmmm, to what should I attribute the change? You seemed very excited to know that I didnt DO Lara.care to share? Sadie dropped into a chair and looked expectantly at Dana. Tina hid a smile behind her coffee cup.

Dana ducked her head. Its nothingreally, I just got a little jealous is all. Lara and I used to dateand, well, technically, she could be doing eleven people now, but I just havent seen her with anyone. SorryI just really had a negative reaction when I thought I saw her being so chummy with someone else. I hope youre not too mad?

Eh—Ill get over it.by the looks of it a lot sooner than youll get over Lara. Danas eyes dropped and she suddenly seemed smaller. Sorry, Dana..its just, I know LaraI find it hard to believe that you two couldnt make a go of it.

Well, you dont know me. Dana said with some force. SorryI dont mean that rudelyits justwell, I pushed Lara away, and now she wont even look at me. Dana sighed, and looked at her watch.

Greatand now Im late for practice. Sorry guys, I should go. Dana got up and grabbed her sweater. See ya later. With her head hanging Dana slumped from the courtyard.

Sadie looked at Tina. Is she okay?

Tina watched Dana get into her car and pull out before answering. Shes Danashe wears her emotions on her sleeve. When things are going good, shes great. When shes consumed with something, shes—well—consumed. Shes really hung up on LaraI wish there was something that could get them back together.

Sadie thoughtfully watched the Subaru Outback disappear around the corner.

*-*-*

Hello? Lara picked up her cordless phone.

Lar? Its Sadehows it going? Sadie was in the shop, perched on a stool, with a mischievous grin on her face. Shed run her idea by Marina, whod been a little skeptical about the success potential. Nonetheless, the woman had agreed to the timing.

Greathow are you feeling this morning?

Goodbut, Im wondering if I can hit you up for a favor? Are you busy on Saturday night?

As luck would have itall of the shows on the Food Network are re-runs that night. Im free. Whaddaya need?

Im wondering if you would cook dinner for me that night? Im a mess in the kitchen, and Im so tired of canned tuna I cant stand it anymore.

Sure thing! Id love to have you over.

Thats the other thing. Lar- my ribs are killing me, plus I have to work the shop till closing on Saturday. I was wondering if you wouldnt mind cooking at my place. Ill owe you a big one. Sadie wheedled.

Ohwell, I suppose I could do that. Ill just pick up what I need and head on overwhat do you feel likepasta or lamb?

Definitely pasta. Marina had told her that the tennis player was partial to all things noodle.

GreatIll get there at 6:30 and well plan on eating around 7:30?

Sounds good! See you then.

Hanging up, Sadie let out a small whoop. Phase 1 complete. She started humming the Mission Impossible tune, as she dialed Danas cellular.

Fairbanks here. Danas voice was crisp and professional.

Danaits Sadiefrom The Planet.

Peach! Hey! How did you get my number?

From Marina.I have a question for you.are you busy on Saturday night?

Saturdayno, not really, but Dana seemed flustered.

Im having a dinner party, Dana..and wondered if you could come. Marina will be there—Id like for you to meet a couple of biking friends Ive made.

Dana swallowedit sounded like a blind date set-up thing to her. She wasnt sure she liked the sound of it.

Please? Sadies voice was kind, and earnest.

What the *****…what time? Dana asked.

7:30.Im so glad youll come!

See you then.

Sadie hung up the phone with a decidedly victorious whoop. Oh yeah..whos the queen? She strutted around the shop and Mia strutted with her.

Later she dropped in for a cup of tea with Marina. Its all set up. Dana gets to my place at 7:30.

Marina smiled, By then you and I should be having appetizers at my place.

Sadie nodded, No worries.