Kali's dreams were of years past. They were filled with yearning, hopes and dreams of the future her and Jeff planned to share. She dreamed of their marriage and of the undying love they had for each other. Of the promises made. And of her parents lies and betrayal.
She jerked upright, bathed in sweat. Panic seized her as she looked about the unfamiliar room with eyes wide with fear. Gradually she calmed down as she realized where she was and what she was doing here. Kali glanced over at the clock radio sitting on the nightstand. She had slept a little over three hours. It was almost nine.
Swinging her legs over the side of the bed, Kali knew if she was going to be ready when Kane got back, she needed to shower now. They had a lot to talk about. A lot to decide. More than could be decided tonight! But at least they could make a start toward deciding how to handle this.
Kane arrived back at the hotel at twenty minutes to ten, and went straight to Kali's room. Taker had been in a foul mood all night, refusing to listen to anything Kane had to say. And his refusal to listen had put Kane in a rather bad temper. But thoughts of his sweet Angel softened his bad mood. His Angel! His beloved Angel! He felt a moment's guilt and remorse about his involvement with Judy, but that didn't last long, not when he thought of his sweet Angel, his Kali!
Knocking on her door, she opened it immediately, almost as though she had been standing just on the other side waiting for him.
"Kane, I'm glad you're here!" Kali stepped back allowing the big man to enter.
Entering the room, Kane stood in front of a chair waiting for her to sit down, before he took a seat.
"We really need to talk!" And they did well into the night.
***************
Judy re-scheduled her appointments for later in the week. She needed time to think about what she wanted to do! Did she want to stay at the shop? There had been a slight strain between her and Kali the last couple of days, and she didn't like it. But she liked working with Kali. She considered Kali one of her closest friends, and didn't like to think about leaving, but she would if need be.
Getting in her car, Judy drove out by the lake, parking and just watching the water lapping against the bank. It was peaceful out here, and quiet. Lighting a cigarette, she took a deep draw then got out to walk out on the dock. Sitting on the edge, Judy let her thoughts wander, while dangling her feet in the cold water. She sat there till nearly full dark. She sat listening to the night sounds, the crickets, the croaking frogs, the cry of the night birds, all the sounds that make up the music of the night.
With a sigh of resignation, Judy got to her feet, making her way back to her car. Putting in her Brooks & Dunn tape, she turned the volume way up loud, rolled the windows all down and headed back to town. She spent the next two days in bed feeling sorry for herself.
Kali called her that third morning to see if she was coming in.
"Yeah, I'm on my way out the door now." Judy said softly. Grabbing her purse as she hung up the phone, she was out the door and on her way in minutes. Within 15 minutes she entered the exclusive parlor.
The first thing she noticed was Kali's good spirits. What ever happened between her and Kane had certainly made Kali feel better, and that only made Judy feel worse. Judy was glad that Kali and Kane were working things out. It was obvious that they had made progress in their talks. What else could it be? Unless her and Taker had spent the night together again, or maybe Kane? But Kali was definitely in better spirits.
"So! You seem to be feeling better! Your trip must have agreed with you! Did you and Kane get things worked out then?" Judy asked, watching her warily as she got her workstation in order for the days business. Opening a door of the lower cabinets, she put her purse away, then stood up facing Kali.
"Well we're working on it. He's coming in day after tomorrow. Taker, too. They have a house show in Reno the next night, so they will be here for the night. You got any plans?" Kali asked watching her.
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I do. Sorry!" Judy went to the back taking the towels out of the dryer, then carrying them out front to fold.
"Oh! OK! I thought you might like to join us!" Kali watched her curiously, wondering at her mood.
Judy never met the other woman's eyes. She knew Kali was watching her, but didn't care. She wondered if she would be able to make it through the day without crying. Judy steadily folded until the last towel was done, then carried the two neat stacks of clean linens to the cabinet between the two work stations and put them away. Going into the back room, she put the basket back beside the washer, then returned with some spare ink to refill her containers at her work station. Going back to the back room, she returned with a cup of coffee, having noticed Kali drinking some when she came in.
Kali was going over the last workday's paper work. She had her back to the room. She wondered what was up with Judy. She was concerned about not only loosing a good friend, but a valuable and very talented assistant. But aside from all that, what was she going to do about Kane? This, she still didn't know the answer to. Suddenly, the bell over the door jingled, announcing the first of the days customers.
***************
Judy entered the bar and grill and found a table. A few minutes later, the waitress came over to take her order. As she started to walk away, Judy added a Tom Collins as an after-thought. A few minutes after her drink arrived, Judy glanced up and happened to see Taker leaning against the bar watching her. After a moment's hesitation, she motioned for him to join her. She watched as the big man made his way over through the crowded bar and couldn't help but admire his natural grace.
"How you doing?" The huge man asked as he sat down. Taking a drink of his beer, he waited for her to answer, noticing her high color.
"Ok! How bout yourself?" She asked nervously. She glanced away fidgeting with the glass, feeling uncomfortable with this man.
Taker nodded in reply, signaled for another round, then glanced down at the table. "Do you come here often?" He asked innocently, unable to suppress the grin that tugged at his beautiful mouth. The shocked look on her face when he asked was priceless.
"Well, if that's not a pick-up line, I'd like to know what is!" She said exasperated at the nerve of the man. Suddenly, she laughed softly, shaking her head in disbelief. "If I didn't know better, I'd say you were hitting on me! But we BOTH know better than that, now don't we!"
"Do we?" He asked, grinning wickedly, green eyes sparkling recklessly. Then laughed out loud at the amazed look on her face.
The waitress arrived about then with their drinks and Judy's salad, and asked Taker if he wanted anything. He shook his head no, still chuckling.
Judy pushed her salad around on the plate, drinking more than she ate. A short time later, two slightly tipsy people left the bar and grill.
"What do you say we go some where?" Taker asked, eyeing her curiously. Judy looked at him wondering at his motives. She thought a minute, the agreed.Where do you want to go?" She asked looking up at the huge man.
"I don't care! Let's party!" Taker said, a reckless grin on his handsome face, as he took her arm leading her toward the car.
"Lead away!" She'd had just enough to drink to not give a damn! Judy had a devilish gleam in her blue eyes that spelled trouble for somebody.
They got in the white Lincoln parked at the curb, and headed down town. Glancing over in her direction, Taker had mixed emotions about this woman. The thought crossed his mind if she felt as confused by all this as he did. Judging, by the look in her eyes, he thought she did. Her and Kane seemed to hit it off. But then again, Taker thought him and Kali had something special, too.
Judy giggled uncontrollably as Taker tried yet again to fit the key in her door lock. This time he made it! Together, they staggered inside, just barely closing the door behind them. They stumbled over a colorful throw rug, falling in a heap on the floor. Laughing together, at the silliness of their positions, Taker raised up so he could see her. She lay there on her back, knees drawn up, one hand resting on her stomach, the other laying near her face. Her long auburn hair spread out around her, Judy's blue eyes were bright with mirth and her color was high. All of a sudden, Taker wanted to know what her kisses tasted like! Would her lips be sweet? Would her arms hold him close or push him away? Unable to help himself, Taker leaned forward, gently claiming her lips with his own.
At the touch of his lips, all laughter left her, leaving her wanting more of his touch. Her eyes were wide with surprise and desire. Both pairs of eyes darkened as desire filled their very souls.
Her hands ran up over his massive shoulders, pulling him even closer. Her lips were soft and yielding, responding to the ever-increasing pressure of his own sensual mouth.
His hands roamed at will over her willing body. She moved slightly to better accommodate his much larger body. Moaning, they pulled at each other's clothing, in a frenzy to get even closer.
"Damn this!" He said in frustration.
Pulling her to her feet, Taker picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. They made quick work of removing their clothes, throwing them in all directions. Judy stopped long enough to pull the bedding down, then took him by the hand, pulling him down with her on the big bed. Taker's mouth once again claimed hers.
***************
Her eyes opened slowly. Pain stabbed through to her brain. Groaning, she pulled the covers higher over her head. She felt the bed shift and nearly jumped out of her skin. Glancing over her shoulder, she was startled to find a pair of blood-shot green eyes staring back at her.
"What are you doing in my bed?" She asked crossly. Unnerved that she couldn't remember what happened last night.
"I was hoping you could tell me. Last thing I remember was unlocking your door." He said rather grumpily.
"Well, you've got to get out!" Her voice rose slightly as her confusion grew.
Taker's gaze never left hers, then he rolled over, threw back the covers, and got out of bed. Judy couldn't resist sneaking a peek at his amazing body, while he gathered up his clothes. Without so much as a glance in her direction, Taker dressed quickly then left her apartment without a word.
Judy was mortified! What happened last night? She couldn't remember anything about last night! Slowly, she threw back the covers revealing her naked body! Groaning silently, one thing was readily apparent! They had had sex! But why didn't she remember? Sex with Taker isn't something any woman would NOT remember! Gathering up her scattered clothes, Judy headed for the bathroom to shower.
***************
Kane and Kali had dinner the night before and talked some more about what they were going to do, if anything, about their predicament.
"You will always have a place in my heart, but I love someone else and hope to make a life with him." Kali said softly, genuine caring shining brightly in her eyes.
"I thought you might say that. To be honest I'm glad we're parting friends. Fact of the matter is, I'd like to see more of Judy. Kali, if things hadn't turned out like they did, we would have been married by now. I consider it an honor to have you in my life in some capacity." Kane said sincerely.
******************
The next morning, right after Kane arrived at the shop, Taker showed up in a rather foul mood. About 15 minutes later, Judy showed up. As she entered the shop, Kali was there but so was Kane and Taker. Unable to meet Taker's eyes, Judy couldn't help but notice that he had showered and put on clean clothes as well. Whenever she happened to glance up, she found his green-eyed gaze on her. What was even more unsettling, was the fact that she blushed hotly. His speculative gaze followed her every move. Memory of last night still eluded him. But they had both been naked in bed together, so they HAD to have had sex!
Their reaction to each other was puzzling. Something was wrong here! Taker wouldn't take his eyes off Judy, and she wouldn't look at him. Kane and Kali noticed the tension between those two and wondered at the reason for it.
Kane and Kali exchanged glances, more than once. Hurt and confusion could be seen in Kali's eyes every time she looked at Taker and saw him watching Judy, and this told Kane just who the other man was.
Finally it was time for the two big men to leave. Judy and Kali watched as they made their way to the rental car parked at the curb. Each one was wondering how this mess was going to turn out.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Chapter Eight~~~Kaliegh
Kali wiped a tear from her cheek and continued to stare out the window even after the car had pulled away from the curb. "Did you sleep with him?" Kali asked Judy. Her heart felt heavy with hurt from Taker's cool attitude towards her and it could be heard in her voice.
Judy looked down at her hands, not able to meet Kali's questioning eyes. "I.....um....Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's what happened."
"What the hell do you mean, you're pretty sure? Either you did or you didn't! Which is it?" Kali knew her temper was getting out of control, but she felt helpless to do anything about it. "Dammit! This is fuckin' useless!" Kali stood and threw her cup of coffee at the nearest wall in frustration.
Judy was silent for several minutes, stunned by Kali's quick temper. When she finally spoke, her tone was quiet and careful. "We were both drunk, and we went back to my place. After that, neither him or I remember anything, but this morning when we woke up, we were in my bed and neither one of us had any clothes on." Judy looked over to Kali to see her reaction. Kali's face was terribly pale and she looked like she was going to be sick.
Kali let out a heavy sigh as she turned to leave. "I'll be in my office if you need me." Kali said softly and then headed for the small room in the back of the shop.
"Kali?" Judy asked at the last minute. "Did you sleep with Kane?"
"No....No, I didn't. As much as I care for Kane, I love someone else even more. Kane and I once had something very special, but that was all lost in the years we were separated. Now we have decided to remain close friends and go on with our lives." Kali paused for a moment and then added, "Besides, you're the one he wants."
***************
Taker and Kane were silent through most of the ride to the airport. It was Taker who finally broke the silence.
"If you feel I still need to know, I'm ready to hear what happened between you and Kali." Taker's voice was tight, as though he were forcing himself to say the words.
"Okey, but let me tell you something first." The serious look in Kane's eyes, matched the tone of his voice and Taker knew he meant business. You obviously didn't see how hurt Kali was this morning or you would have had the decency to take your eyes off Judy. Kali is very special to me and when I saw that look in her eyes, it kinda pissed me off. I'm telling you, no….. I'm warning you…..If you ever hurt her again, in anyway, I'll kick the living shit out of you."
Taker didn't take to kindly to Kane's threats, especially when it had been Kali and Kane who had started this whole mess. "You know what, Kane? Just forget it! I don't want to hear it! Just forget I even asked. Whatever you have to say won't make any difference anyway. I saw you and Kali kissing and that is explanation enough for me."
A few minutes later they arrived at the airport. Taker got out of the car, and after getting his bag out of the back seat, he walked off leaving Kane behind.
***************
The first thing Kali did when she got into her office, was pick up the phone and call Kane.
"Hello?" Kane said softly, answering the call.
"They slept together, Kane! They fuckin' slept together!" Kali knew her language was far from ladylike, but right at the moment she didn't care.
"I know, Kali....I know." Kane's voice was quiet. "Are you okey?"
Kali didn't say anything for a long time and Kane began to wonder if she had hung up or if they had been disconnected somehow. Finally she spoke again. "This is all my fault, Kane. I should have just kept this all to myself like I had planned to do, and none of this would have happened. Now everything is all fucked up...."
"You did right by telling me. I've spent the last ten years wondering about you, even after your parents told me that you died. I didn't believe them. I always wondered where you were, if you were alright, what you were doing, if you were married....Now I have the answers to all my questions." Kane said, gently reassuring her that she had done the right thing.
"Kane, I lost you ten years ago. Now I'm going to lose Taker too. I don't know how much more of this I can take!" Kali's voice rose to near hysteria as she said this.
"You're not going to lose him. I'll make him listen to me. Everything will turn out, I promise you." Kane's words made Kali feel a little better, His deep, soft voice seemed to have a calming effect on her.
"Thank you, Kane. I really am sorry about all this mess."
"Don't worry about it. You're not to blame. No one is." Kane paused for a moment and then asked if Judy was still around.
"Yes, she is. Would you like to talk to her?" Kali replied as she opened the door and watched Judy discuss a potential tattoo with one of her customers.
"Yes, could I? If she's not busy, of course."
"Sure! Hang on." Kali said, and then went to tell Judy she had a phone call.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Chapter Nine~~~Judy
"Hello!" Judy said in a soft, strained voice.
"You ok?" Kane's soft, husky voice brought on a wave of shame and longing. Tears filled her eyes as she clutched the receiver in a death-grip, sinking weakly to a chair before falling.
"I guess! This whole thing is so screwed up! We need to talk about this some how!" Her voice cracked with the emotional strain she was under.
"Yeah, we do! Can I stop by tomorrow night? We don't have another show till Sunday. We'll have three days to try and work this thing out! Maybe then we can sort through this mess!" Kane had to swallow hard to get passed the lump in his throat. What a fucked up mess! It ate at his vitals to think Judy and Taker had slept together, and that after all she had been put through by her parents, Kali had been hurt yet again.
"I'd like that!" Judy said sincerely. Her hands shook uncontrollably.
"I'll see you tomorrow night then! Tell Kali I'll talk to her later!" Kane said just before hanging up.
Judy sat there quietly, composing herself before returning to her work station. Kali had taken the customer Judy had been talking with. She was already half finished with the tattoo the man had chosen. She glanced up as Judy sat down in the swivel chair at her work station. She watched as Judy tiredly raised a trembling hand to her face, covering her eyes. Dispassionately, Kali went back to the work at hand, finishing up the tattoo.
*************
Judy unlocked her door, letting herself into her apartment. She was off tomorrow and had asked Kali for the next day off as well, since she didn't have an scheduled appointments. Kali had said "yeah, why not!" The cold distance in her voice and eyes had hurt Judy more than she care to admit, especially the reasons behind the distance.
"Gawd! what a mess!" Judy thought as she tossed her keys down next to her purse. Going into the kitchen, she made herself a cup of hot chocolate, then went into the living room to sit down. One thing was certain, things couldn't keep on as they were. Something had to break, and break soon!
*************
Picking up the t.v. remote, Judy turned the set on to watch the news while she finished her chocolate. Thirty minutes later, she was laying in bed, drifting off to sleep with the aid of an over the counter sleep-aide.
The pill Judy took before going to bed, knocked her out for 14 hours, and even when she finally got up, was still groggy. Stepping under the hot spray of her shower, she turned the water on full force. Slowly the effects of the sleeping pill were washed away.
************
About the time Judy was showering, Kane was confronting Taker as the rode down in the elevator. "Whether you want to listen or not, you are going to hear me out! Kali and I were high-school sweethearts. We planned to get married after graduation, but her parents didn't approve of me, so they sent her away, then later told me she had died. She looks a little different now, than she did then, so I didn't recognize her right away. She loves you, not me! What we shared, is in the past! You are what she wants in the present and the future! Not me! As for me, I want Judy, but Kali is still very special to me!" Kane said with authority. Taker's expression went from disinterest to silent contemplation.
Taker thought about what Kane had told him in the elevator, on the ride to the airport. They obviously both cared a great deal for Kali, each in their own way! But there was still Judy. And that night spent at her apartment! Jealousy was what caused him to get drunk, and what pushed him into Judy's bed! But why couldn't he remember anything about that night? Had they had sex? Dammed if he knew!
******************
Kane got off the plane in Reno. Taker suspected he intended to see Judy and Kali. Right now, Taker felt it best if he stayed away from both of them. Taker's thoughts, not to mention his emotions, were in turmoil. He cared a great deal about Kali, but found himself drawn to Judy. Kali had been a friend for years, that was what you based a relationship on. You had to like the other person, before you could actually love them. But he couldn't erase the image of Judy from his memory. Of how she looked that morning, like an angry kitten, all ruffled fur and spitting with fury. She looked extremely desirable! He had a vague memory of a silken body pressed against his, in sleep. And that memory was driving him crazy! It stirred him more than he cared to admit. Yet, on the other hand, it could have all been a drunken dream. Looking out the window of the plane, Taker was more confused than ever. But he did know one thing, Kane was determined to settle this matter rather quickly, and to have Judy for his own.
**************
Kane pulled up in front of Judy's apartment, in the rental car. Knocking on her door, she answered wearing her bathrobe. She looked awful, as though she were hung over.
"Kane! I wasn't expecting you so soon! Come on in!" Judy stepped back allowing him to enter. Her damp hair told of her recent shower.
Kane entered her apartment, seeming to fill it up, with his sheer presence.
"Please help yourself to some coffee. I'll be back in a minute." Judy said, then disappeared down the hall, toward her bedroom. When she returned minutes later, she was wearing a tee-shirt and baggy shorts. Her hair was pulled back and held in place with a barrette.
Kane was sitting at her table, a cup of coffee in front of him. He looked up as she sat down in a chair beside him.
"I need to know! Did you sleep with Taker?" Kane asked quietly.
Tears sprang to her eyes, as she looked down at the table. She hated to hurt this man by what she would say, but there was nothing else to do but tell the truth.
"Kane, I don't honestly know what happened that night. I don't!! All I remember, is entering my apartment, then waking up in bed with him the next morning. Both of us had been quite drunk that night. But I tell you true, I don't remember anything after coming home. I'm not much for drinking, but I was upset by what happened between us, after Kali told me of your past. I felt ashamed of my betrayal of Kali's trust. I'm so confused, I don't know what to think anymore." Her hands shook as she took a cigarette from the pack and lit it.
Kane knew how she felt. Taking a sip of coffee, Kane thought about what she said, and realized it didn't matter. He loved her! Or at least he thought he did. At any rate, Kane believed her. He just hoped she felt the same way about him.