RaStro FicS

She keeps me warm (16)

While Jules was manning the grill and preparing the fire, several of her guests were playing volleyball. "B?"

"I'm here." Bianca came up behind her boyfriend.

"Oh." Jules glanced at the fire once again. "You getting the steaks ready?" Bianca nodded. "Thanks. Don't know what I'd do without you. " That small compliment surprised and delighted the shoulder-length hair woman.

"You need anything else?"

"Just you." Jules shot his girlfriend a seductive glance. She was still in a bit of shock when Jason nudged her.

"Bianca."

Twisting quickly around, Bianca asked. "Yeah?"

"Did you? You know." The sturdy man nodded toward one of the picnic tables. Bianca's dark eyes traveled to where her friend was sitting next to the short hair.

"Sorta."

"Which means?"

Bianca touched Jason's arm and assured the eager man. "I will." It wasn't that she didn't like playing matchmaker. Bianca just preferred to do it in her own time. The hoops and hollers that came from the winning volleyball team after their hard fought victory distracted them.

Bianca motioned for their friend to join them at the table. As always, Rhian and Glaiza sat down together across from Chynna and Kean. But when Jason saddled up against the vacant side next to Rhian, the red hair nearly jumped into the short hair's lap. "Oh, sorry."

Glaiza knew what propelled the younger woman closer. She placed a hand on Rhian's thigh and whispered. "Hold on." And that's exactly what Rhian intended to do until Glaiza suddenly got up and moved around back behind her. The short hair nudged in between the arrogant man and Rhian. "Sorry." She turned to Jason. "But I wanted to hear about that flawless goal again. It was awesome."

That brightened Jason's face. "It was, wasn't it?" As Jason retold the story, leaving out nothing, the rest of the guests shot Glaiza a few hard glares. However, Glaiza wasn't too worried about that since Rhian had generously thanked her for separating her from the boisterous forward.

After they ate, Bianca jumped up and started clearing some of the used plates and such. To her surprise, Jules was right behind her, grabbing a few things. When Bianca reached for one more item on the table, Jules interceded. "I've got that."

Rhian noticed and was even more surprised at Jules' thoughtfulness than Bianca was, making a mental note to talk with one of them and see what had changed. So, when Bianca suggested that Rhian help her in the kitchen, the red hair  was more than eager to help. "Sure. Be right there." She turned to Glaiza. "Save my place."

Bianca had nearly forgot what she wanted to talk with Rhian about since Jules was being so attentive. "You having a good time?"

"Yeah." Rhian put away some of the condiments. "What's up with you and Jules?"

Bianca smiled. Feeling much like the way she felt when she and Jules first met, the older woman turned around quickly, facing her friend. "Love!"

"Uh huh." Rhian knew they loved each other, but sometimes the way they treated each other did not reflect that love. Bianca was on cloud nine. Her mind formulated all kinds of reasons as to Jules' recent change.

"It's a wonderful thing." Rhian was suspicious of where this conversation was heading. The older woman stepped quickly over to Rhian and touched her arm. "I want that for you."

"Me, too." Rhian gazed out the kitchen window to the backyard in order to sneak a peek at the short hair happily talking with her friends.

"Now, hear me out before you say anything." Rhian dropped her shoulders. She didn't want her wonderful day to be spoiled by one of Bianca's lectures about her love life. And any feelings she had about a certain short hair, Rhian preferred to remain private for the moment.