From: "starbuck22" Fletcher2:Rollercoaster by Dana Starbuck Feedback: dks_starbuck@yahoo.com Disclaimers: See Chapter 1 Thank yous: Thanks to Athos & Selena for stepping in and "pitch hitting" when I 'lost' 2 beta readers. They seem to joined the starting lineup. And a special thank you to deejay, who's done more than his share of hand-holding, and not just over the beta reads. He's worked his way from the bullpen to the starting lineup, and now he's number one in the rotation. (Sorry, I'm a baseball fan, folks ) <> Saturday, November 21st, 5:50 PM Fletcher smiled when she saw Marva and Karrin through the peephole. "Sorry," she said through the apartment door. "No solicitors." "But we have fine hair-care products," Marva called out plaintively. "Then get your asses in here!" Fletcher unlocked the door and grinned at her two laughing friends. Marva was wearing a short, black skirt that showed off her shapely legs. Her blouse was silk with browns, blacks and golds. With her heels, she was almost the same height as Fletcher. Karrin was wearing a dark gold dress that showed just enough cleavage to catch Fletcher's eye. Fletcher chastised herself as she realized she'd been staring at Karrin's chest. "Don't you two look nice," she complimented them. "Thanks." "You look pretty good, too, Fletcher," Marva commented, kissing her on the cheek. "Happy Birthday." "Gracias." Fletcher was wearing a pair of loose, but tailored, black slacks. She wore a black and gold button vest with a white tab collar shirt underneath. Karrin hugged Fletcher and added her own birthday wishes. "Anyone for a drink?" Scully asked as she emerged from the bedroom. Fletcher held her breath. She'd seen Scully in skirts and business suits before, but that was nothing to how she looked tonight. She wore a somewhat tight-fitting short black dress with a plunging neckline. She wore a matching short black jacket over it and black heels. The simple gold cross that she wore seemed to add to her grace. Marva nudged Fletcher and whispered, "breathe, Fletcher." "Right," she nodded. "You look great, Red." "Thanks." "How about that drink?" Fletcher said, tearing her eyes away from Scully. "I'll have a club soda," Karrin said. "I'm driving tonight." "Marva?" "White wine?" "Sure. Scully?" "Scotch rocks." Fletcher went into the kitchen and poured the drinks, making sure to pour herself a double vodka over ice. Marva lifted her glass after Fletcher had given everyone their drinks. "A toast to the birthday girl." "Hear, hear," Karrin said, smiling. There was a tiny little 'clink' as their glasses touched once. "Did you have a nice birthday, Fletcher?" Marva asked. "Yes, thanks. I was even in town for it," Fletcher replied, her arm slipping around Scully's waist. "Really? I thought you were on the road all last week." "I was in just for the day. I only had time to grab something to eat before I had to leave." Scully's cheeks blushed a faint pink, recalling what Fletcher had 'eaten' for her birthday. "We really celebrated _last_ night." She sipped from her glass. "You should see what Scully gave me." Scully worried. "What's that?" Karrin wanted to know. "This really great book about astronomy. Next time you're out to the house, I'll have to show it to you. The photography in it is amazing." Scully thought she'd hid her relief well, but Marva didn't miss it. Marva rarely missed anything. She caught Scully's eye and winked. Scully's cheeks reddened and Marva smiled to herself as she took another sip. "Fletcher, when was the last time we went out like this?" Fletcher thought a moment, then rolled her eyes. "Geez, maybe five or six months ago. I think we went out last spring or early summer. I know it was before the Fourth of July." "Where are we going?" Scully asked. "A private supper club we belong to," Fletcher said vaguely. Saturday, 7:00 PM Scully was completely lost. She had never been to this part of the District before. It was an industrial area, mostly deserted at this time of the week. After a great deal of turns and sidestreets, Karrin pulled into a building that on first look appeared to be a warehouse but was really a parking garage. She stopped the car and a young, blond woman wearing a black uniform approached the car and opened the door. "Hello, Lila," Karrin said, stepping out of the Saab. "Dr. Gundersson, Ms. Owens." "Lila," Marva said, getting out on her own. Lila held the door for Karrin, then stepped to the right and opened the door to the backseat. Fletcher stepped out, straightening her designer tuxedo jacket. "Dr. Buchanan," she said quietly. "Good evening, Lila. This is Dr. Scully," Fletcher said, taking Scully's hand as she stepped out of the car. Lila nodded her head then got behind the wheel. "Your usual spot?" she asked Karrin. "Please." "Valet parking?" Scully commented as Lila drove away. "I'm impressed." "Just wait," Fletcher said simply. Scully fell into step beside Fletcher as they followed Karrin and Marva down a hallway to a non-descript door. Scully spotted a security camera in a darkened corner of the ceiling. Piano jazz floated into the corridor as Fletcher opened the door. Another young, well-dressed woman - this one Asian - was waiting on the other side. She stood in front of a carved wooden lectern, a ledger book opened in front of her. Scully could see two other women standing in the background, in the dark. "Good evening, Dr. Buchanan." "Good evening, Mariko." Fletcher said something in Chinese or Japanese - Scully couldn't be sure which. The woman replied in kind, a smile on her face. Mariko greeted the other women, nodding when Fletcher introduced Scully to her. "Would you like your usual room?" she asked Fletcher. "Sure, but we'll have a drink in the bar first." "Certainly. I'll tell Rita that she can find you there." "Thanks. Is Elizabeth here?" "She's upstairs with a dinner party, but I expect her back momentarily." "I'll look for her later." Fletcher gently took Scully by the elbow and escorted her down a long, paneled hallway. They went around a corner and suddenly they were standing in a large dining room. Most of the tables were full. Scully thought as she quickly scanned the room. She thought she recognized some of the women, or at least their faces looked familiar. More than half of the women were in dresses or skirts, and all were well-dressed. She looked at her dinner companions as they walked around the edge of the high-ceilinged room. She looked up at Fletcher who was nodding hello to several women as they made their way to the bar. A waitress immediately seated them at a booth with a view of a baby grand piano. Scully sat down between Fletcher and Karrin. "Dr. Buchanan, Dr. Gundersson, Ms. Owens, we haven't seen you in months," the waitress said, taking out her pad. "It's been a while, Carol." "Let's see _how_ much of a while." She pointed her mechanical pencil at Fletcher. "Stoli rocks..." "You got it." Carol moved the pencil point to Karrin. "Club soda -- with lemon, _not_ lime..." "Right," Karrin laughed. The waitress nodded, making her curls bob. She pointed at Marva. "Fetzer chardonnay, _ice_ cold..." "She is _so_ good," Marva intoned. Carol smiled at the compliment. She turned to Scully, and paused. Finally she said, "I'm stumped." "She's never been here before, Carol," Karrin informed her. "That would explain it." She gave Scully a friendly smile. "What'll it be?" "Scotch rocks. Dewar's, if you have it" "We have it. I'll be right back." Scully turned to Fletcher and whispered, "When we came in, did I see -" "Yes, but what and who you see here, stays here." "But I thought she was married," Scully continued. "Not everything is how it seems, Red." "Wow." Pause. "Is he -" "Like I said, not everything is how it seems." The waitress returned with their drinks. "Put them on my tab," Fletcher instructed her. "Wait a minute," Marva interrupted. "You're our guest tonight, Fletcher." "Oh, for pete's sake, Marva, let me buy a round or two." "No way." Marva turned back to the waitress. "Put them _all_ on my tab." Carol looked pointedly at Fletcher, who put her hands up in mock surrender. "Fine," she agreed. "Put them on her tab." "Fletcher Buchanan, as I live and breathe," a sultry voice said from behind Scully. She looked up to see a very attractive dark-haired woman place her hand on Fletcher's shoulder. Scully thought, her jealousy flaring up. "Elizabeth," Fletcher enthused. She stood and greeted the woman warmly. "Word travels fast through here. I had to see for myself. You actually brought a _date_?" "Elizabeth, Dr. Dana Scully," Fletcher said introducing them. "Scully, this is Elizabeth Delaney. She runs the place." "Pleased to meet you," she said, extending her hand. "Likewise." Scully quickly checked her out as Elizabeth greeted Marva and Karrin. Elizabeth slid into their booth beside Fletcher. "I was wondering if I could entice you to do something for me?" "You know I have trouble saying no to you, Elizabeth," Fletcher laughed. "Could I interest you in a little piano playing tonight? My regular is out tonight with the flu." "You want me to sing for my supper?" "Something like that," she said with a smile. "Well, only for a little while, as long as Marva agrees to sing with me, and I get to keep the tips." "_We_ get to keep the tips," Marva corrected Fletcher. "Do you mind, Red?" Fletcher asked. "No, go ahead." Fletcher got out of the booth after Elizabeth, then made a big deal out of escorting Marva over to the piano. She sat down on the piano bench, Marva beside her. "Start with a little Gershwin?" Fletcher asked Marva. "Sure. Which one?" "How about 'Could You Use Me'?" "I think that's a good opener." Fletcher played the intro, then repeated it. Most of the women in the bar turned to watch them. It wasn't the first time they'd seen Fletcher, with or without Marva, at the piano. "With apologies to the Gershwins," Fletcher said, then she sang: 'Have some pity on an Easterner, show a little sympathy No one possibly could be sterner, than you have been with me There's a job that I'm applying for, let me put it to you thus It's a partnership I'm dying for, missus and missus us. Before you file it on the shelf, let me tell you of myself Oh, I'm the chappy to make you happy, I'll tie your shoesies and chase your bluesies Oh, lady, wouldya, oh lady, couldya use me I'd shake the mat out, and put the cat out, I'd clean the garret and feed the parrot, Oh, lady, would you, oh tell me, would you use me Do you realize what a good gal you're getting in me? I'm no Elk, or Mason, or Woodman who gets home at three The girls who see me, grow soft and dreamy But I'm a gander, who won't philander Oh could you use me, 'cause I certainly could use you Fletcher turned to Marva, and Marva sang the second stanza. 'There's a gal I know in Mexico, who's as strong as she can be Eating nails and drinking Texaco, she is the type for me There is one in California, more romantic far than you When she sings 'ha cha chania', I often think she'll do But as for you, ma'am, I'm afraid, you will never make the grade For you're no cowboy, you're soft and how, boy I feel no muscle, that's fit for tussle I must refuse you, I cannot use, excuse me No nightlife for you, the birds would bore you, The cows won't know you, a horse would throw you, You silly gal, you, to ask me, can you use me, huh Though at love you may be a wizard, I'm wanting to know Could you warm me up in a blizzard, say forty below? Your ties are freakish, your knees are weakish You're not a sender, you elbow bender Though you can use me, I most certainly can't use you Scully joined Karrin and the other women in their applause and laughter. She turned to Karrin as Fletcher started another song. "They're really good," she said. "Do they do this often?" "Oh, once in awhile when we all go out. I think Fletcher does it whenever she comes here alone." "What exactly is this place?" "A very exclusive, private club." Scully's eyebrow seemed to go up on its own. "Exclusive? How exclusive?" "Lesbian or bi-sexual women only. You have to be recommended by another member, and the annual dues are...very expensive. I think you have to have a six digit income to get in as well." "You don't know?" "We got in on Fletcher's recommendation. To be honest, Dana, I think Fletcher's a silent partner here. Marva and I don't even have to pay dues, and I know Fletcher has something to do with it." "Have you been coming here long?" "Fletcher has since before she met Marva. We came here as Fletcher's guests for a few years, then Fletcher gave us our own membership one year. We've been coming here ever since." "It's certainly posh." Scully gazed around the room, trying not to gawk too much. "It is nice to have a place to go out to dinner when we feel like dressing up. Sometimes we just come for drinks and dancing." "Elizabeth said something about Fletcher bringing a date." "Oh, that." Karrin smiled. "Fletcher's never brought a date here." "She never even brought Marva here - not until Marva and I were together." "What about Clarice?" "She wouldn't come with Fletcher, except once we all went out for dinner. She didn't want to be - um, how do I put it - publicly out? She also didn't like the wealth. I think she felt outclassed by the women here, which is too bad. I think she had more class than a lot of the women here. Money and upbringing don't necessarily guarantee class." Scully turned her attention back to Fletcher and Marva. They sang several more showtunes, mostly duets, then Marva sang a song or two by herself. She saw Fletcher whisper something to Marva, then she began to play a familiar tune. She looked up at Scully and smiled, and then she sang: "Lookin out...on the morning rain..." "Ahh-oop," Marva put in. Fletcher nearly broke up, but continued. "I used to be so uninspired..." Scully tried not to be embarrassed when she realized there were several women in the bar trying to see who Fletcher was singing to. She looked down at her drink for a few moments, then back up at Fletcher. Karrin thought. She started to say something, but stopped herself. Scully seemed intent on hearing every word. Karrin wondered. When Fletcher finished singing, she tossed back her drink quickly. Her smile, surprisingly, appeared to be shy, embarrassed; almost as if she'd suddenly realized that she'd been caught feeling happy. "I am so glad that Fletcher's seeing you, Dana," Karrin said quietly. "Excuse me?" "You're the best thing that's happened to her in a long, long time. I've never seen her in love. It's good to see. And it's good to see someone in love with her, too." "Does it show that much?" Scully asked, somewhat embarrassed. "Only to the people that know Fletcher." She reached out and squeezed Scully's hand. "And yes, it does show on you as well." Saturday, 8:30 PM After begging off another encore, Fletcher and Marva were finally able to leave the piano. The hostess walked up just as they got back to the table. "Your room is ready now." "Thanks, Rita." "Elizabeth wanted to know if you'll be returning to the bar," she asked Fletcher and Marva as she led them upstairs. "Probably not. We were planning on a little dancing after dinner." "I'm sure she'll be disappointed to hear that," Rita replied, sliding back the door to their dining room. "Would you like this open or closed?" Fletcher looked at the others before responding, "Open is fine." Scully followed Marva and Karrin into a room with a large round table and four chairs. A small chandelier hung over the table. The walls were an off white, almost beige color, and the wood trim was ornately carved. Rita waited until they were all seated before handing them their menus. It took a Scully a few minutes to realize what was different about the menu. "Do you want to see a wine list?" Rita asked. "Sure, but the wine and any other drinks are going on my tab," Fletcher said firmly. Marva opened her mouth to protest, but quickly shut it after a stern look from Fletcher. "Here you go," Rita said, handing Fletcher the list. "Anyone want an appetizer or will the salad be enough?" Marva asked. "I'll pass," Karrin said. "I'm watching my weight." Scully nodded her agreement as she continued to look over the menu. "We'll start with the Caesar for four and the rolls," Marva ordered. "Oh, and Rita, put anchovies on it." "Oh, yeah. Good idea, Marva," Fletcher agreed. "Oh, no, not this again," Karrin sighed. "Help me out here, Dana. Don't tell me I'm outvoted 3-to-1." "I'm with you on this one, Karrin," Scully said in support. "Great. We're deadlocked," Fletcher grumbled. "How about I put the anchovies on the side?" Rita suggested. "Depends on how much these two are willing to go without kissing," Karrin said with a smirk. Scully blushed but her face remained expressionless. "Or if they're willing to start flossing _now_." "Your call, friends." Marva and Fletcher exchanged looks. "Well, if it's for the greater good..." Marva said. "No anchovies," Rita said, writing it down. "Give us a minute or two on dinner," Marva continued. Rita turned to Fletcher. "Would you like to hold off on ordering the wine, as well?" "Just give me one second." After reviewing the wine list one more time, Fletcher quietly ordered two bottles, a chardonnay and a cabernet. "What are you having?" Scully asked Fletcher after the waitress left. "The twin baked stuffed lobster tails. After four days of airline food, I'm starving for something good. How about you?" "Probably the broiled sole." "That would be my second choice. Have it with the potatoes. They're divine." Scully nodded. "I bet I know what you're ordering," Karrin said to Marva. "Oh really? What?" "Filet Mignon." "It's a tossup between that and the London Broil," Marva admitted. "How 'bout you?" "The chicken and vegetable pasta." She made a face at Marva, but her eyes were smiling. "Some of us don't have the perfect metabolism." "Some of us don't eat like a bird on a hunger strike," Marva returned. Scully started to worry about the exchange, but then she saw they were holding hands and smiling. Karrin leaned over and gave Marva a quick kiss on the cheek. Scully thought enviously. After pouring the wine, Rita made up the Caesar salad on a small cart that she'd wheeled into the room. She set the salad onto the table, followed by a basket of assorted hot rolls. "Are you done with your traveling?" Karrin asked Fletcher. "I've got trips to Pittsburgh and Cleveland this coming week, and then New York, Philadelphia and Boston the week after that. That's the end of _this_ tour. Of course, all of that can change at a moments notice," she added, buttering a roll. "Are you traveling much, Dana?" Scully shook her head as she sipped her wine. "Not right now. I start next week in Fletcher's division. I don't imagine I'll do any traveling the first week." She looked over at Fletcher. "Or will I?" "Best guess, Roy will have you get familiar with the staff and the procedures the first week. After that, you'll be on the board for cases. I don't know how much traveling you'll do." Fletcher helped herself to a second serving of salad. "So, Karrin, are you still getting decent hours at work?" "Well, I wouldn't call them 'decent'," she laughed, "but they certainly are better than the hours I had during residency." "At least she's home more nights than before. It was really hard trying to fit my store schedule around those hours." "Do you know your holiday schedule yet?" Fletcher asked. "Actually, yes." Karrin handed Rita her now-empty salad bowl. "I'm working Christmas weekend, but I have New Year's weekend off." "Do you want to spend New Year's together?" Marva asked. "I'd like to. Did you have any plans, Red?" "No." "Good. Why don't you come over New Year's Eve and spend the weekend with us?" Fletcher suggested. "Will the jacuzzi be in?" Marva inquired. "It's being delivered the week after next." "Then the champagne's on us." "I can live with that," Fletcher laughed. Saturday, 10:15 PM Fletcher refilled her wineglass, then leaned back in her chair. She looked over at Scully. She watched as Scully smiled seductively, then slowly slipped the last bite of dessert into her mouth. Fletcher cocked one eyebrow and smiled back at her. "Mmmmmmmmm," Scully said, wiping her mouth with her napkin. "Cheesecake of the Gods." "Absolutely," Marva concurred. "I think I totally blew my diet tonight," Karrin groaned. "Diet? You're on a diet?" "Well, I'm trying to eat better. Residency totally messed up my eating habits and I put on a few pounds that I'd like to take off." "A few pounds?" Fletcher asked skeptically. "Where?" "Trust me on this one, Fletcher." "I keep telling her she looks fine. If she wants to eat healthier, okay, but she doesn't need to diet," Marva commented. "Well, maybe a little dancing will help," Fletcher said, pushing herself back from the table. "Upstairs or downstairs?" Karrin asked. "Hmmm. Good question. Upstairs okay? I'm not really in the mood for fast dancing. Maybe later." "Sounds good to me," Marva agreed, standing up. Fletcher took Scully's arm and they followed Marva and Karrin up a flight of stairs. The room was large, dimly lit and had many booths and tables and chairs facing the dancefloor. A bar ran along the back wall and several women sat at it. There were quite a few couples dancing to the quiet, romantic music. Marva and Karrin went to the bar to get the drinks while Scully and Fletcher made for the last unoccupied booth in the room. Scully thought as she sat down. Three floors, probably more. I didn't see any dance area when we came in.> Fletcher slid into the booth beside her. Scully took Fletcher's hand and squeezed it. "I love it when you look relaxed." Fletcher laughed, leaning back against the lushly padded booth. "It's great to _be_ relaxed. These last few trips I've felt like a rabbit on a treadmill with the carrot just out of my reach." She snaked an arm around Scully's shoulders. "Though that makes coming home even better." Scully felt warm in more than a few places. "Do you really like your book?" "Oh, Red, it's _fabulous_! I've always wanted a really good book on the stars!" Her grin widened. "Of course, I _always_ see stars when you're around." "I love you," Scully said suddenly. "I love you, too, Red," Fletcher replied immediately. "Would you dance with me?" "Now?" "Yes." "Sure, okay." Fletcher took Scully's hand and led her to the dancefloor. She took Scully into her arms and held her tenderly, almost reverently. Fletcher clearly looked and acted like a woman in love. Marva and Karrin watched them as they sat down at the table. "I can't help but smile when I see them together," Marva said, sipping from her glass. "I've never seen Fletcher happier," Karrin replied. "I just hope she doesn't do something stupid." "I don't think she will. She doesn't dare." "Why do you say that?" "Because I threatened to shoot her if she did. And she knows I wasn't kidding her. Not completely, anyways." Marva looked back over at the dancing couple. "All kidding aside, if Fletcher _does_ screw this one up, she will have me to answer to, and I won't be as kind as Clarice was." "I'm sure Fletcher won't want to meet the wrath of Marva," Karrin kidded. "Would you?" "No. Once was enough for me." Karrin set her drink down. "Dance with me?" "All you have to do is ask." Marva smiled a wide, flirty smile. <>