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   ~~~

   Priceless

   by Stephanie Rose

   (The day that changed everything...)

   ~~~

   "Hey, Jolene!  Get your head outta the clouds and get your butt in gear!
Come and get this order!"

   Jolene Conaway gripped her order pad tightly and headed toward the back
counter.  She cut her eyes at the heavyset man leaning through the
partition to the kitchen.  "Archie, them eggs ain't going nowhere," she
said under her breath, "so what's the rush?"

   A rapidly balding Archie Dunbar wiped his hands on his stained apron and
leaned over the back counter.  "I heard you Jolene!  If you don't like it,
you know what you can do?  You can walk, `cause I sure don't need no sassy
waitresses in here!"

   Jolene grit her teeth as she snatched up the plate filled with runny
eggs, greasy buttered toast and much-too-crisp bacon.  Needing this week's
paycheck to pay for her Grandmother's heart medicine, she bit her lip to
keep from forming an even sharper retort.

   "Don't worry about him," Alice said as Archie ducked back into the
kitchen.  "He's just being a jackass as usual."

   For nearly a year after her high school graduation, she'd toiled at
Archie's Diner with Alice, the second waitress, serving food with enough
lard to make a person's arteries scream in submission.  She also had to
endure sore feet, low wages, even lower tips and Archie's alternating
orders and come-ons.

   Though it was Friday morning, there was no TGIF anywhere in Jolene as
she delivered the hot plate to the older sheriff in the booth next to the
front door.  The thought of another long shift on Saturday made her let out
a deep sigh as she went back to retrieve the next order for his deputy. 
Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized what her fate in life was
actually turning out to be.

   She sighed again.  "Why in the hell am I here?"

   ~~~

   "Why in the hell am I here?"

   Eve Jessup sped along the highway as she again checked the GPS perched
on the dashboard of her rental Lexus.  She peered at the display.  "Now I'm
somewhere near Edgerrin, Tennessee?"

   The new Janet Jackson album in the CD changer and the air conditioning
on full-blast, she drove even faster, trying to make it to Nashville before
sundown.  "I hope this trip is worth it," she mused as she turned up the
volume.  She looked out the window and admired the late morning sun shining
in.

   "Of course, it's worth it," she smiled, remembering her mission, and
went back to singing along with her favorite pop icon.

   Then her stomach rumbled.

   She sighed as she checked the GPS yet again.  "I'm nearly lost and now
I'm starving?" She gripped the steering wheel as she picked up speed again.
"Fuck it.  I'm stopping at the first food place I see."

   She drove a few miles until she saw a sign that said "Restaurants, Next
Exit." She took the exit and found herself heading down a deserted road for
what seemed like forever.  Finally, she saw a large, yet rickety structure
to the side of the road.  "Archie's Diner?" she murmured, looking at the
rusted sign on top.  "Great."

   She parked in the gravel lot, cut off the radio and slowly got out.  She
drew in a breath as she looked at the forsaken building.

   She guessed that the deep slate gray on the building's concrete walls
had long ago been white.  The roof was leaning dangerously to one side and
the front steps had several large chunks of concrete missing.  While the
inside door was shut, the outer wooden screen door, fully off of its
hinges, lay propped up right next to it.

   "Oh, hell no," she said, shaking her head.  "I'm not eating at this
place."

   However, just as she was about to get back in her car, she glanced right
next to the diner.  She was surprised to see a good-sized plot of land off
to its side.  She walked over, took a second look, and was surprised even
more.

   In the large space, were rows and rows of fresh fruits and vegetables
planted in the rich soil.

   Eve's mouth began to water as she saw rows of fresh spinach, peas, green
beans, cucumbers and plump tomatoes, alongside ripe, luscious strawberries
and blueberries.  To the side, she saw rows of lettuce, along with sweet
potatoes and collard greens.  In the back were several stalks of what
looked like fresh, sweet corn.  She grew giddy at all the fresh produce.

   Her hunger overtaking her, she went back to her car and got her
briefcase and purse.  "I guess I'll give this place a try," she said as she
started up what was left of the steps.

   ~~~

   Jolene heard the tinkle of the bell above the door and instinctively
turned to see who walked in.  She tilted her head at the striking black
woman that strode inside and stopped at the front counter.

   The curvy woman wore a chic navy pantsuit, with four-inch navy and white
stiletto heels.  Her white silk blouse was opened to the middle button,
showing just a hint of a lacy black bra.  Her makeup, in pretty gold and
bronze tones, had been skillfully applied and her nails were mid-length and
decorated in an artful French manicure.

   She wore elegant, yet tasteful gold jewelry, had an expensive handbag
slung over her shoulder and a matching briefcase in her hand.  As she
waited to be seated, she reached into her purse, pulled out her BlackBerry
and began to tap on the keys.

   But more impressive than the woman's wardrobe and accoutrements was her
natural beauty.

   Her dark mocha skin, smooth and luminous, gleamed in the intense heat.
Her jet-black hair was cropped, leaving soft curls that kissed the nape of
her neck.  Her full, rounded breasts strained against her blouse and
jacket. Her hips were curvy and her thighs were thick and luscious.  The
woman was elegant and graceful and had a businesslike quality that
unearthed in Jolene a distinct sense of pride.

   Jolene felt her palms begin to sweat as she studied the beautiful woman.
Quickly, she shoved her order pad in her apron pocket, wiped her hands on
her skirt and went to the front counter.

   "Hi," Jolene said.  "Welcome to Archie's.  Can I get you a table?"

   The woman smiled with pretty white teeth, sending a jolt through Jolene.
"That'd be nice," the woman said.  "Thanks."

   "Follow me."

   Jolene scanned the room for Archie.  Lucky for her, he was in deep in
conversation with the sheriff and the deputy.  She led the woman all the
way to a small table at the opposite corner of the diner, right by the
women's restroom, just out of his sight.

   "Is here okay?" Jolene asked, her heart beginning to pound at the
woman's beauty.

   "Here's just fine," the woman said as she put her jacket onto the back
of the chair.  She set her briefcase and purse in the other chair and slid
smoothly into her seat.

   Jolene stood there for a moment, lost in the woman's deep brown eyes. 
Then she snapped back to the present.  "Well, let me get you a menu."

   The woman plucked a menu from the holder on the table.  "Here's one
here."

   "Oh yeah, right," Jolene said, her voice cracking with nerves.  "Anyway,
I'll be back to take your order shortly."

   "No need.  I know what I want.  I saw the fresh vegetables outside, so I
want a salad."

   "A salad?  Sure," Jolene said, taking out her pad and writing it down.

   "Yeah," the woman said, checking her watch.  "It's a bit late for
breakfast, so I'll have an early lunch, so a salad's fine." Then the woman
grinned.  "After that, however, I want a bacon cheeseburger and fries."

   "A salad, a bacon cheeseburger and an order of fries.  Got it," Jolene
smiled.  "Coming right up."

   ~~~

   Eve stared at the petite honey-brown young woman as she walked away, and
was taken aback at her ravishing beauty.

   The girl looked to be in her early twenties and was slender and lean. 
Though her uniform was tattered at the edges, it was neat, clean and had
been carefully ironed.

   She also noticed the girl's natural beauty.  She had soft, honey-brown
skin and no makeup, not that she needed it since her skin was clear and
radiant.  Her dark hair was done up in thin braids that had been pulled
back into a long ponytail.  Her uniform fit like a glove, hugging her
slight curves.  Her skirt was short, showing off lengthy, sturdy brown
legs.

   She caught the girl's forlorn expression as she hustled around the
counter, and back and forth to the kitchen.  "You don't belong here," Eve
mused as she watched the girl's hurried movements.

   Eve kept her eyes on the girl, oblivious to the rest of the diner. 
"Let's see where this goes," she said as she settled into her seat.

   ~~~

   A few minutes later, Jolene came back with both a glass of ice water and
a glass of sweet iced tea.  She placed them gingerly on the table.  "It's
pretty hot outside, so here's a cool drink of water.  Or sweet tea if you
want it." Suddenly nervous at the attraction that was growing in her, she
turned to leave.

   Eve spoke quickly, before Jolene had a chance to scurry away.  "Thanks,
but what's your name?" Eve asked.

   Jolene turned back around.  "Huh?"

   "Your name.  What's your name?  You're not wearing a name tag."

   "Oh," Jolene said, embarrassed.  "I usually wear one, but I couldn't
find it this morning.  Anyway, my name's Jolene."

   Eve smiled.  "Jolene," she said, luxuriating in every syllable.  That's
a pretty name."

   "Thanks.  It's Hebrew.  It means `God will increase.'" She looked around
at her modest circumstances.  "I guess I'm still waiting on that one."

   Eve smirked.  "Don't worry.  I'm sure your time is coming.  Anyway, my
name's Eve."

   "Nice to meet you, Eve." Not wanting to break the contact, Jolene
decided to try her luck.  She looked into Eve's dark, sultry brown eyes
again.  "So...what brings you to town?"

   "I'm a producer.  I'm here scouting a location for a TV show."

   Jolene's eyes grew wide.  "Producer?  You mean Hollywood?"

   Eve chuckled.  "Yeah, Hollywood.  You ever been there?"

   Jolene shook her head.  "Never been out of Edgerrin.  But I will
someday."

   "Good for you.  You seem like a bright young woman.  You deserve to have
everything you want in life."

   Jolene blushed.  "Thanks." Then she paused.  "That's the first time I
ever heard someone say something like that to me.  Besides my family, of
course."

   Eve pointed in the direction of the garden.  "What's with the vegetables
outside?  I seriously doubt that Archie's responsible for that.  Was that
you?"

   Jolene beamed.  "Yep.  That was my idea.  No need of bein' in the
country and not planting a few things."

   "Very smart.  You like to garden?"

   "Yeah, and I'm a pretty good cook too.  But he doesn't let me anywhere
near the kitchen.  But I guess that's okay.  It's too hot back there
anyway."

   "Archie?"

   Jolene motioned over to the overweight man.  "Yeah, him.  Anyway, I've
been here a year, ever since graduation, and I haven't cooked yet."

   Eve paused.  "Wait.  So how old are you?"

   "Nineteen.  Graduated from high school last year.  You?"

   Eve laughed, surprised she'd missed Jolene's age by that much.  She
cringed at her true age, twenty-six.  "Let's just say that I'm older than
you.  Significantly."

   Jolene laughed.  Then she looked at Archie again.  He was still occupied
with the sheriff and the deputy.  "Let me go get your order.  I'll be right
back."

   Jolene hurried into the kitchen and, conveniently disobeying Archie's
orders, cooked Eve's meal herself.  She used the utmost care, making the
plate of food the best she'd ever prepared.

   Just as she was finished cooking, Alice sidled up next to her.  "You
know, you really don't belong here," she whispered.  "You're much too good
for this place."

   "Thanks," Jolene said softly.

   "Anyway," Alice said, nodding toward Eve, "you want me to keep ol'
Archie busy while you finish entertainin' your...your lady friend?"

   Jolene nodded.  "Please?"

   Alice picked up the phone, dialed quickly then waited.  "Hey, Mona," she
barked into the receiver.  "Tell Bobby Lee and Billy Joe to get on down
here to Archie's.  The sheriff and his deputy are here and I wanna hear
some more of them fishing stories they got there."

   Alice put her hand on the receiver.  "That'll keep ol' Archie busy for a
good little while," she whispered.  "So go have fun!"

   Jolene smiled as she took the plates and brought them to Eve.  She
watched silently as Eve devoured the salad, then went right in for the
cheeseburger.

   "This is great," Eve said between bites.  "Tell the cook this is good."

   "I cooked it," Jolene said proudly.  "I said I could cook, so there you
go."

   "Thanks!"

   As Eve continued eating, Jolene suddenly wanted to know more about the
mocha goddess in front of her.  "So what do you do in Hollywood, again?"
Jolene asked as she stood there, shifting from one foot to the other.

   "I produce a TV show for a cable network."

   Jolene was intrigued.  "What kind of show?"

   Eve leaned in close.  "I do a show for women."

   "Oh, like the Lifetime Channel."

   Eve smirked.  "No, not quite."

   "Like what, then?"

   Eve's voice was curiously low.  "Ever hear of The L Word?"

   Jolene blushed.  "The show about the...um...girls?"

   "Yeah," Eve nodded, looking at her carefully.  "The show about the
girls."

   "Yeah, I've seen it." Then Jolene frowned.  "Not a lot of sistahs on
that show."

   "Not really," Eve smirked as she leaned back in her chair.  She took a
sip of water.  "Then hopefully you watch my show, Pledges?"

   Jolene gasped.  Then she looked around for Archie.  Thankfully, he was
still at the front entertaining the sheriff and the deputy.  She slid into
the chair across from Eve.

   "You do `Pledges'?" Jolene asked.  "The show about the black sorority? I
watch that show every week," she whispered excitedly.

   Eve laughed.  "Yeah.  So do a lot of people."

   "How does a show like that get on the air?  You know it's
about...um...you know."

   "Lesbians?" Eve winked.  "Yeah, well, it started as an online series. 
You get the Internet out here?"

   "Yeah, but we don't have a computer.  Cable's all we got."

   "We?"

   "Me and Grammie," Jolene answered, suddenly noticing the slight crinkle
underneath Eve's eyes when she smiled.

   "Grammie?  You mean, your grandmother?"

   "Yeah.  She's seventy-one and just can't live alone."

   "What about your mom?" Eve asked.

   "She died a year ago," Jolene said softly, holding back her tears. 
"Cancer."

   Eve gasped.  "I'm so sorry to hear that," she said as she reached out
and took Jolene's hand.

   Though the pain of her mother's death shot through Jolene, as it always
did, she was warmed by Eve's touch.  Smiling, she decided to go with the
warm feelings.  "Tell me more about your show."

   "Well, I heard about an amazing black lesbian author named Stephanie
Rose and I became a huge fan of all her short stories.  When she wrote the
Pledges online series, I immediately thought it'd make a great show for
cable.  I contacted her, and made her an offer she couldn't refuse.  She
wrote the scripts for us and we started production for an Internet show
less than a year later.  When the Internet series became a huge hit, we got
picked up by the cable network, and it's been smooth sailing ever since."

   Eve's face fell a bit.  "Trouble is, season one was a huge success.  The
best numbers for any show on that network, ever.  But season two, which
we're shooting in a few months, and I'm scouting locations for now, is in
jeopardy."

   Jolene was confused.  "Why's that?"

   "The network claims that our show costs too much," Eve said, looking
sad. "It's bullshit, but it's hard trying to go up against such a huge
machine like that network.  We have tons of fans all over the world, and a
huge online presence, but they don't want to pony up the extra money to
make the next season even better.  So now I'm here in Tennessee, looking to
see if I can move the show here.  I landed in Memphis a couple of days ago,
and I've been looking at locations from there all the way to Nashville.  I
want to stay in Los Angeles, but it's so expensive to shoot there that I
may have to sacrifice that."

   Jolene couldn't hide her feelings for this lovely and smart woman. 
"Well, if I had the money, I'd give it to you for your show."

   Eve's face softened.  "That's such a nice thing to say."

   "I like to help people I care about." Then she blushed.  The words had
tumbled out before she could stop them.

   "You care about me?"

   Jolene couldn't answer that.  "I also care about my Grammie," she said,
deflecting the attention.  "If I could afford it, I'd put her up in a
really nice house.  She loves the water, so I'd get her a house where she
can see it every day."

   "And what about you?" Eve asked gently.  "What would you do for you?"

   Jolene was struck that a perfect stranger was interested in her life. 
Thankfully, she'd already decided what she really wanted to do.  In fact,
thanks to her mom and Grammie's instruction, she'd known since the third
grade.

   "I'd go to culinary school," she said proudly.

   "Culinary school?" Then Eve pointed to her empty plate, having wolfed
down everything on it.  "Well, you certainly have a natural talent!  That
food was excellent!"

   "Thanks!" Jolene blushed.  "Mom and Grammie taught me everything I
know!"

   "And you learned well.  And after culinary school, then what?"

   "Then I'd start my own restaurant," she continued.  "Right here in
Tennessee."

   Jolene grinned, elated to finally tell someone other than a family
member about her dreams.  And that fact made her want to know even more
about Eve.

   "So tell me more about this show," Jolene said.  "The show about
the...the..."

   "Lesbians?"

   Jolene looked down at her hands and noticed them trembling.  Unable to
speak, she just nodded.

   "You seem very interested in...lesbians?"

   Jolene turned a deep red.  Is it that obvious?  she wondered.  Could she
tell how hard I was looking at her?

   In the next moment, Jolene reached way down and got some backbone.  "So
are you if you're doing a TV show about them." Then she took a deep breath.
"So are you a...a...well, you know?"

   Eve laughed.  "You're pretty forward."

   Jolene blushed even harder.  "Sorry."

   Eve placed her hand on Jolene's.  "Well, today's your lucky day.  I just
happen to be a...well, you know."

   Jolene grew warmer at Eve's touch.  "Really?"

   "Really." Eve stroked her hand.  "And what about you?  Are you a...well,
you know?"

   Jolene gasped.  Though she enjoyed the hot kisses she'd shared with
GinaLynn Norwood in the stairwell between the third and fourth floors of
their high school, that proved to be a one-time only event.  And even
though Gina never mentioned it again afterward, it didn't stop Jolene from
dreaming about it every night since.  She blushed as she thought about
Gina's smooth, toffee-colored skin and soft lips and how much more she
wanted to do to her if she had the chance.

   "Let me get you something for dessert," Jolene said, needing a reprieve
from the erotic tension she felt.  She took Eve's plate, got up and went to
the counter to slice a piece of sweet potato pie.

   As she cut the slice, Jolene looked at the doorway.  Archie was still
trying to impress the sheriff.  A few minutes later, she saw Alice open the
door to let in the boys.  In the next instant, she watched as Alice quietly
and gently turned the Open sign to "Closed." Then Alice winked at her and
went to sit with the men.

   Once they were occupied, Jolene went back to Eve's table and set down
the small plate of dessert.  She eyed Eve carefully, looking for some sort
of sign of attraction.

   Eve lifted her eyes and caught Jolene's gaze.  Almost immediately,
Jolene sensed a camaraderie with this woman, and a deep sense of the
companionship they could have.

   Jolene decided to test the waters.  "I don't know much about...well, you
know," she said in a low voice.  "But there's a lot I want to learn." Then
Jolene held her breath and waited.

   She didn't have to wait long.  Eve looked her straight in the eye.  "I
could teach you."

   In an instant, Jolene made her move.  "Come on," she said, hurrying from
the other side of the table.  She took Eve's hand and led her to the
women's restroom.  Once inside, she locked the door, pulled Eve close and
planted a sizzling-hot kiss on Eve's lips.

   Every single one of Jolene's senses exploded at the sight, sound, touch,
taste and feel of this beautiful woman.  She closed her eyes, wrapping
herself in the lustful moment, and moaned against Eve's soft lips.  Her
mouth was clean and fresh, but hot and steamy all at the same time and
Jolene unabashedly took her tongue and slid it deep inside.

   "You're so bad, baby," Eve grinned when they caught their breath.  "So,
so bad!"

   Jolene wrapped her arms even tighter around Eve's waist, pressing her
body full against her new lover.  Eve's scent invaded Jolene's very being,
and she reveled in the fresh rose fragrance.

   Their kisses grew in intensity and Jolene was enveloped in a heightened
sense of sensuality and passion.  Her head began to spin as she felt Eve's
hands roaming all over her body, grasping, pulling and tugging at her
clothes.

   "We need to take these off," Eve said, matter-of-factly.

   Taking control, Eve pushed her into the last stall and shut the door. 
Hold still," Eve said as she knelt before Jolene.  Eve reached up,
underneath Jolene's skirt, and pulled down her panties.

   "I'm keeping these," Eve chuckled as she tucked them into her pants
pocket.  Then she slid her hands up Jolene's thighs, until she cupped her
full, taut ass.

   "Ohhh," Jolene sighed.  Eve's touch was light, but sure, and Jolene's
heart started to race.

   To Jolene's surprise, Eve pressed forward and placed her lips right on
Jolene's pussy.  "Mmmm," Eve moaned, as she stroked the soft, smooth skin
with her lips and fingers.  She then snaked out her tongue to get a taste
of Jolene's warm, sweet honey.

   "Oh God!" Jolene exclaimed at the wet, wiggling sensations coursing
through her.  "That feels so good!" she hissed.

   Eve drank deeply from Jolene's erotic well.  She licked and sucked the
hot nectar that flowed from her core.  Her lips, tongue and fingers were
busy, touching and teasing her lover into a frenzied, passionate state.

   Low moans continued to escape from Jolene's lips.  "Oh God, Eve!  Oh
yes, baby!" Every nerve in her body was on fire, threatening to consume her
in a blazing-hot inferno.

   Eve flicked her tongue even faster.  "Hurry, baby!" she urged as she
took long laps at Jolene's wet pinkness.

   Jolene's moans increased in intensity as she gripped the back of Eve's
head and pressed it against her pussy.  Jolene rotated her hips, then began
to buck them back and forth as her body began to tremble.

   "Let me taste it," Eve said seductively, "Let me taste that hot, sticky
juice!"

   "Oh God," Jolene groaned.  Everything she'd ever dreamed of was coming
true.  A beautiful, sexy, wanton woman was giving her all of the pleasure
she'd ever desired.  The thought of finally getting what she'd always
dreamed of gave her a heady feeling.

   Eve licked even harder, trying to draw out the young woman's climax. 
"Give it to me, honey!  Now, now!"

   Jolene threw her head back, lost in the exquisite sensations coursing
through her body.  "Ohhhh," she moaned at Eve's swift licks and nips to her
swollen gem.  "I'm gonna...I'm gonna..."

   "Cum for me, baby," Eve breathed.  "Cum for me, sweet baby!"

   "Yessss!" Jolene cried out at the erotic vibrations that began deep
inside of her and consumed her entire body.  "Ahhh!" she called out as her
body tensed, then exploded into an exquisitely carnal bliss.

   Finally, Eve had drunk every drop of Jolene's sweet nectar.  She planted
a soft kiss on Jolene's pussy and stood up.  She pulled Jolene into a warm
embrace, comforting the trembling woman until she gently calmed down.

   Several minutes later, without a word, Eve slipped out the door, leaving
Jolene to catch her breath alone.

   When Jolene was able to compose her self, she looked in the mirror and
smiled.  Her reflection was suddenly calmer, brighter.  She straightened
her uniform, smoothed down the incriminating wrinkles, and left the
bathroom.

   As she walked to the counter, she tensed up as she looked for Archie. 
Her shoulders relaxed as she found him still in the same place.  She went
to the cash register, her eyes now on Eve.

   Eve gathered up her jacket, purse and briefcase and coolly walked up to
the register.  She reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet.  "How
much?"

   "It's on the house."

   "No, I have to pay you something.  I don't want you to get in trouble."

   "All right.  Five bucks.  For everything."

   Eve slid a black American Express card over the counter.  "And I want to
make sure I leave a tip for you," she winked.

   Jolene bristled.  "You trying to pay me?"

   Eve held up her hands.  "No!  I was just..."

   Jolene nodded, embarrassed for thinking such a thing.  "Of course you
weren't." She toyed with the keys on the cash register, trying to draw out
their time together.  "Well, about the tip, it's not like I'd get it
anyway. Archie doesn't give us our tips off of credit cards."

   Eve looked shocked.  "What?  That's illegal.  You should report him!"

   "The sheriff?  That's Archie's brother-in-law, so lotta good that'll do
me.  Anyway, our credit card machine's broken, so that's that."

   "Damn.  Guess that takes care of that.  Thank goodness I've got cash."
She opened the next compartment on her wallet.  "Oh shit."

   "What?"

   "I only have enough cash for the bill.  Six singles."

   Jolene shrugged.  "Not too many people leave tips anyway."

   Eve handed the bills to Jolene.  "So that means I've only got a dollar
for your tip.  Sorry." Eve looked around the diner.  "So you're really in a
bad situation here, huh?"

   Jolene shrugged, trying to hide her disappointment at Eve's leaving. 
"Not forever.  Just for now."

   "Well here's my number," Eve said as she pulled out her business card
and gave it to Jolene.  "And give me your number."

   Jolene pulled out her order pad, wrote her number on the back of one of
the tickets and handed it to Eve.

   Eve smiled as she put it in her pocket.  "Thanks.  Well, about the tip,
I'm sorry I couldn't give you more.  But make sure to take that dollar and
do something special.  Buy a lottery ticket, even," she joked.  "Seems like
today's your lucky day!"

   "Well, thanks for everything," Jolene said wistfully.  She wasn't sure
if she'd ever see Eve again and it made her somewhat sad.

   "What are you thanking me for?" Eve asked as she started for the front
door.  "You're the one who made my day."

   "No," Jolene whispered as she fondled the business card.  "Thank you. 
Thank you for giving me something to look forward to."

   She tucked the card in her pocket and gave Eve a small, barely
perceptible wave as she walked out of the diner, and possibly out of her
life forever.

   For several long moments afterward, Jolene watched the door, wondering
what might have been, and fought back a storm of hot, sorrowful tears.

   ~~~

   Late that night, after her shift, and without a car, Jolene walked the
two-mile trek back to her grandmother's house.  Just before she got to her
house, she passed the local gas station on the corner.  Following a hunch,
she went inside, walked past the thin man behind the counter and looked at
the brightly-lit lottery display.

   The week's grand prize for the Magical Millions lottery was one hundred
and eighty million dollars.

   On an impulse, she pulled out her dollar bill, set it on the counter and
pointed to the lottery machine.  "Give me one of those tickets, please."

   "What numbers you want?" he asked in a gravely voice.

   Jolene thought for a moment.  What numbers should I pick?

   Then a thought hit her: Why not birthdays?

   "All right," she began.  "Three for my birthday.  Twelve for Grammie's.
Twenty-seven for Mom's, bless her soul, and eighteen for Auntie
Millicent's.

   "One more," he said, punching the buttons on the lottery machine.

   "One more?" But which one?  Ten for Auntie Ruth or Thirty for Uncle
Randall?

   She quickly decided in favor of Girl Power.  "Give me number ten for
Auntie Ruth."

   "And the bonus number?" he asked.

   She smiled.  "Seven.  Today was my lucky day."

   ~~~

   "I need you to come back in tonight, Jolene.  And I don't want any
arguments!"

   That Saturday night, Jolene lay on her couch, drifting off to sleep in
front of the TV.  Her feet were on fire, her back was sore and her head
throbbed after her long shift.  Having only laid down for a couple of hours
or so, the phone had jolted her out of her nap.  She'd run to answer it
before her grandmother was woken up.

   She looked at the clock.  It was ten minutes after eleven.  "The
restaurant's closed, Archie!  What the heck you want me back down there
for?"

   "I need you to help me with some...inventory."

   "I'm about to get into bed, Archie.  Can't I do this in the morning?"

   "Jolene?  I'll be here for thirty minutes.  If you're not down here,
don't even bother coming in tomorrow.  Or ever!"

   Jolene thought about trying to find another job, given the current
economy of Edgerrin.  Making up her mind, she took a deep breath.  "All
right."

   "Good.  And wear that short skirt I got you," he said, breathing heavily
into the phone.  "Them legs you got is so, so sexy!"

   She jumped as he slammed the phone down in her ear.  Slowly she got up
off the couch and went to put on her coat.  As she was shrugging her arm in
the sleeve, she heard a voice from the television.

   "And the first number, ladies and gentlemen, is...Three!"

   Jolene froze.  Then, coming to her senses, she ran to her purse in the
kitchen, pulled out her ticket and ran back into the living room.  She sat
perched on the edge of her couch watching the spotty reception on her
13-inch TV screen.  Adjusting herself on the tattered fabric in order to
get more comfortable, she winced as one of the springs poked her in the
bottom.  Ignoring the sharp pain, she looked down at the ticket in her
hand.

   "Hey," she smiled.  "Three?  I got that one.  Cool!"

   The glamorous pecan-colored model on the television screen plucked the
next white ping-pong ball from one of the two machines on the stage.  "And
the second number is...Eighteen!"

   Jolene looked at her ticket.  "I got that one too."

   The model held up the next white ball.  "And the third number
is...Twenty-seven!"

   Jolene tilted her head.  "That one too?  Wow!" Beaming, she remembered
from the Magical Millions lottery brochure she'd taken home, that matching
three numbers automatically netted her twenty dollars.  "Wow!"

   The model smiled as she glanced at the next white ball.  "And the fourth
number is...Twelve!"

   "That was your birthday, Grammie!  Thank you!" Jolene yelled.  She was
now barely on the edge of the couch.  Her mind began to spin.  Could it be?
Could this really be happening to someone like her?

   The model's smile grew even brighter as she held up the next white ball.
"And the final number is...Ten!"

   Jolene's heart nearly leapt out of her chest.  "Oh my God!  I won!  I
won!" she yelled, leaping into the air.  Because she had matched five
numbers, she knew she'd just won one hundred thousand dollars.

   The model then turned to the machine on her left where there was a
spinning collection of royal-blue ping-pong balls.  In an instant, one of
the balls shot up to the top, and the model pulled it out.

   "And the Magical Millions mystery number is..."

   Jolene froze in place as she watched the model turn the ball toward the
television.  "Oh my Lord..."

   "...Seven!"

   Jolene clutched her chest.  Then she screamed as loud as she could.

   "OhmyGodohmyGodohmyGod!" She jumped up and down.  "I won!  I really
won!"

   Suddenly afraid she'd wake up her grandmother, she quieted down.  But
she quickly went out to their backyard, kicked off her slippers and danced
around the soft grass.  "Thank you, Lord!  Thank you, thank you, thank
you!"

   Then the rhythm hit her and she started doing the "Uh Oh" dance she'd
seen her favorite singer, Beyonce, doing all those years ago.

   Then a thought hit her and she was filled with glee.

   She looked toward the sky and screamed at the top of her lungs.  "Kiss
my ass, Archie Dunbar!"

   ~~~

   Jolene's next several weeks were filled with a collection of attorneys,
financial planners, accountants.  She also signed more documents than she'd
ever had in her life.

   The sole winner of the jackpot, she turned down the twenty-year annuity
option in favor of receiving a lump-sum cash payment.  Now the proud owner
of one hundred and twenty-six million after-tax dollars, she set out to
redo her life as she saw fit.

   The first thing she did was buy a brand-new cell phone.  Once the news
of her winnings got out, the house phone had been ringing off the hook so
bad, disturbing Grammie's sleep, that she'd had it disconnected
immediately.

   Then came the late model used car, and a new wardrobe.

   Next, in the first of many meetings with her financial team, she made
sure that her Grammie was taken care of, setting her up with a generous
bank account to provide for her every need.  She also hired two of
Grammie's younger church members to serve as her live-in nurse and cook. 
Finally, she purchased a new house for her right on Rosewood Lake, just
outside of Nashville.  She even made sure Grammie's new master bedroom had
a great view of the calming waters.

   Jolene also set up various trusts and investments for herself and the
rest of her relatives, insuring that they'd never be broke, as was the fate
for many other lottery winners and their families.

   Next, she sent an anonymous check to the cashier at the gas station who
sold her the ticket.  She then sent a generous check to Alice with a note
that read, "Take that job and shove it!"

   Next, she donated part of her winnings to renovate her old high school
and elementary school, and set up scholarships at each.  She also donated
funds to renovate the town's library, which included installing Internet
access for the residents.

   She then used her brand-new laptop computer to scout out culinary
schools.  After a whirlwind application process, she was accepted into her
first-choice school, located in a brand-new city.  Excited, she quickly
found a new apartment in the city, shipped her belongings and made her
final plans to leave Tennessee.

   Just before she left, on a whim, she decided to use a portion of her
winnings to buy the rickety structure known as Archie's Diner.  "Wait'll he
finds out," she chuckled as she signed the final real estate documents.  "I
wish I could be there to see it!"

   Once all of her affairs were in order, she took a mini vacation in order
to complete the last item on her agenda.  Bundled up in a soft, fluffy robe
in the penthouse suite of a swanky Nashville hotel, she tapped the keys on
her new laptop.

   "Now, I finally get to really take care of me," she said as she typed as
fast as she could, conducting the most important Internet search of her
life.

   ~~~

   "Eve?  There's someone here to see you."

   Annoyed, Eve looked up from the thick stack of papers on her desk.  "Who
is it?" she barked to the feminine voice on intercom.

   Her assistant, Jackie, answered.  "She says it's personal."

   Eve took off her reading glasses.  For the past two months, having
little else to occupy her time and missing Jolene with every fiber in her
body, Eve had buried herself in her work.

   She'd tried to call Jolene the very evening they'd met, and the next,
but Grammie had told her she wasn't back from work yet.  She dared not call
the diner, so she decided to wait.  A few days later, she was back in Los
Angeles and still hadn't heard from her.  Not wanting to wait any longer,
Eve tried her home number again, but the phone had suddenly been
disconnected.  Unable to reach Jolene, and not having heard from her, Eve's
patience had worn thin.  Last week, she'd even made a trip back to
Edgerrin, only to find the diner closed and boarded up.

   "I'm pretty busy here," Eve snapped, her mind not only on Jolene, but on
how to get season two of Pledges underway and under budget.  "If she won't
tell you her name, I'm not sure I even have time to see her."

   A moment passed, then Jackie came back on the line.  "She says it's
about...Edgerrin?"

   A slow smile spread across Eve's face as she got up from her desk. 
"Show her in."

   A moment later, The door opened and Eve caught her breath at the beauty
before her.

   With a confident stride, the young woman entered the room.  She wore a
sharp navy pantsuit with a matching pair of four-inch Jimmy Choo stilettos.
Her thin braids had been unraveled, leaving a wild wavy mass of hair. 
However, wanting a more businesslike appearance, she'd pulled back her
tresses into a ponytail that had a bushy, wavy pouf at the end.  She wore
elegant jewelry and artfully applied makeup.  She had an oversized leather
handbag slung over her shoulder.

   "Glad to see me?" Jolene asked with a wry grin.

   "Baby!" Eve ran to her and embraced her in a warm hug.  "I missed you so
much.  I never thought I'd see you again!"

   Then Eve pulled back.  "Look at you!  You look..."

   "Fantastic?"

   "Yeah.  You look like a true corporate diva!  But you looked great
before.  Anyway, what's been going on?  And why are you in Los Angeles?"

   Jolene was cool.  "May I have a seat?"

   Eve suddenly found herself flustered.  "Sure." She pulled out one of the
chairs at her desk.  "Have a seat."

   Jolene sat and crossed her legs.  She now had an undeniable confidence,
which translated into an immense sex appeal.  She was sure of herself,
poised and elegant.  However, she hadn't lost any of her youthful
appearance, nor any of her Southern charm.  Eve found the new Jolene to be
incredibly appealing.

   Eve watched her carefully as she took a seat behind her desk.  "How can
I help you?" Eve asked.

   Jolene smoothed back her ponytail.  "I want to repay you."

   "For?"

   "For saving my life."

   Eve frowned.  "I don't understand."

   Jolene took a deep breath.  "When we met, I was a poor waitress in a
shitty diner in rural Tennessee.  And you saved me."

   "I still don't understand."

   "Well...that tip you left me?  That dollar?"

   "Yeah?" Eve said slowly.

   Jolene leaned forward.  "Well...I bought a lottery ticket."

   Several beats passed.  Eve blinked, understanding suddenly coming to
her. "You don't mean..."

   "Yeah!" Jolene squealed, temporarily abandoning her cool, business-like
demeanor.  "I won!"

   "Oh honey, that's fantastic!" Then Eve's eyes softened.  "I couldn't
think of a better person that it happened to."

   "Thanks.  But I have something for you."

   Jolene reached into her handbag.  She pulled out an envelope and handed
it to Eve.  "Here.  I'm just sorry it took so long, but I had a lot of
stuff that had to be worked out first."

   Eve opened the envelope, pulled out the slip of paper and gasped.  "Oh
my God!"

   "That's my gift to you," Jolene beamed.  "That's for everything you'd
done for me that day.  And I mean everything!"

   Eve's hand trembled as she held the piece of paper.  "Five million
dollars?" Eve was floored.  "This is a cashier's check for five million
dollars?"

   "It's for your television show," Jolene said proudly.  "For Pledges."
Then she paused.  "The show about the lesbians.  Us lesbians," she added
with a wink.

   "Oh my God!" She grabbed Jolene's hand and squeezed hard.  "Thank you!
Thank you so much!" She stared at the check for several long moments, until
Jolene's words sank in.  "Wait.  You said `us lesbians'?  So you mean..."

   Jolene grinned.  "Yep!  We'z family now!"

   The two women cracked up laughing.  Then they settled down and stared at
each other.  Eve felt a protectiveness well up in her for this bright,
surprising, generous young woman.  Her feelings quickly growing out of
control, she tried to calm herself.

   "Well, what about you?" Eve asked, trying to keep her voice steady. 
"What are you going to do now?" A tinge of fear gripped Eve's heart when
she realized that with all of her fortune, Jolene was free to walk right
out of her office and go explore the world.

   Jolene wore a bright smile.  "First, I'm goin' to culinary school.  And
while I'm there, I'm gonna open up my own restaurant."

   Eve held her breath, not wanting to ask her next question.  "Sounds
great!" she said with more glee than she felt.  "That must mean that you're
going back to Tennessee?"

   Jolene twirled a random strand of her thick, poufy ponytail.  "Noooo..."

   Eve got up from her desk and knelt beside Jolene's chair.  "Let me
guess," Eve said softly.  "You're going to study in Paris?"

   Jolene giggled.  "Noooo..."

   Eve pressed close to Jolene's neck.  She held her breath as the
realization began to set in.  "In Miami?"

   "No, but you're getting warmer..."

   Eve flicked out her tongue and gently swiped Jolene's earlobe.  Then she
nipped and nuzzled the soft flesh.  "How about New York?"

   Jolene shivered at the delicate touch.  "Getting warmer...."

   "Let me guess," Eve breathed in Jolene's ear.  Needing the erotic
contact, she slid her hand underneath Jolene's blouse and cupped her firm
breast.  She fondled the rigid nipple.  "You're going to culinary school
right here in Los Angeles?  To be with me?"

   "Bingo," Jolene sighed as she closed her eyes.  "I love you Eve.  I love
what you did for me and I just can't be without you, sweetheart.  I never
want to be without you."

   "I missed you so much, baby," Eve exhaled as she pressed her lips to
Jolene's.  "I love you too and I need you to be with me always."

   Eve released Jolene's breast, slid her hand through Jolene's hair,
pulled her tight and devoured her soft, full lips for what seemed like an
eternity; tasting, touching and teasing her sweet flesh.

   "And thank you, baby," Jolene replied pulling back, as she took a
much-needed breath.

   "For?" Eve asked, drawing back closer to nuzzle her neck again.

   Jolene looked deep into Eve's eyes before responding.

   "For saving my life."



   (C) 2009 Stephanie Rose Entertainment, LLC.  All rights reserved.

   www.StephanieRoseHeat.com

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