"Stop? Shouldn't you have said that last night? " Blayne took a deep breath and released the woman that was now sobbing in front of her. "All right, all right…"

Blayne dressed quickly and as she was about to leave she stopped for a moment in front of the door not daring to turn and face Gabriella and yet not able to just walk away from her. She had no shame, no pride left in her, and knowing it hurt her. She shut her eyes and said the words her soul wanted voiced and cursed her self for it. "Call me soon?"

"Yes." Gabriella answered softly.

Blayne had never turned. Her eyes shut again with the pain of the answer and then walked out of the room. As Blayne walked out into the hallway she pulled out her sunglasses from her pocket and putted them on. Her eyes were now shielded from the world.

She got on the elevator.

A woman got on before the elevator reached the lobby and she admired the dark haired beautiful woman with the sunglasses leaning on the corner. She also noticed as she exited the elevator how she proudly and arrogantly raised her shin as if preparing herself to face the world. The effect that Blayne caused with her looks was always that of aloof beauty and an arrogance that came only with those that knew they were few and ruled the world. The woman blinked in surprise as the image she had in her mind of Blayne Anberville shattered when she saw the tears that escaped the veil of the sunglasses and roll down the beautiful cheek.

The effect Blayne left behind with the stranger was one of wonder and curiosity. That could not have been Blayne Anberville. That cannot be the cold woman that I have been told about. And yet it must be her. Tara shook her head and looked up again to see the figure disappear out of the hotel. I look forward to meeting you more than ever now Blayne, more than ever. Your tear has intrigued me. Perhaps this trip to Boston will be more than I hoped for. Tara smiled to herself and walked out of the hotel. She had shopping to do. After all, she had just found something that had awakened her and she must get just the right outfit to play the game.



* * *

Diana waited excitedly; she had gotten to the restaurant purposefully early. Her face lit up with a big smile as she got up and hugged her sister.

"I'm so glad we could do this," Diana said as she released Gabriella and they both sat down.

"It's good to see you too Diana. This place is wonderful," said Gabriella, as she looked around admiringly.

"Sandrine's is wonderful. I always stop for lunch here when I'm in Boston. Raymond is a wonderful chef. You must try his famous Flammekeuche." Diana said enthusiastically.

"Flamm…what?" Gabriella laughed.

"Flammekeuche, it's a sort of pizza-quiche with bacon, onion and lots of cream."

"Sounds wonderful. Do you know the chef?" Gabriella laughed. "You sound like a fan."

Diana joined in the laughter. "Yes, Raymond is a doll. He opened the restaurant a few years ago. Sandriene's is one of the little treasures of greater Boston."

"I love the décor." Gabriella said as she looked around. "The slate blues and hanging plates, its lovely Diana. Thanks for inviting me."

"I'm glad you came." Diana said as she put her hand over her sister's and smiled.

At that moment the waitress appeared and they ordered some white Cabernet-Sauvignon. The waitress went to get their wine order when Diana waived to someone behind Gabriella. She was waving them over to their table.

"This is my surprise." Diana said as she got up and Gabriella turned to come face to face with Blayne who was looking down on her with lifeless eyes.

Blayne walked into the restaurant and looked around the room. When she spotted her sister she froze for a moment. The other woman sitting on the same table had her back to her, but she would recognize Gabriella anywhere and a part of her hurt in knowing and acknowledging that. She took a deep breath and starting walking towards Diana with a smile on her face. She however felt her resolve waiver when Gabriella turned around and saw the unguarded look in those beautiful blue eyes.

"Hello Gabriella." Blayne said politely and put her hand out.

Gabriella placed her hand in Blayne's silently.

"Oh come on you two. Hug, we are all sisters."

Blayne held onto Gabriella's hand. Gabriella got up as if in a trance and went into Blayne's arms. She shut her eyes tightly and allowed her body to melt into the arms of the woman that had held her through the night.

Blayne broke the embrace by pulling away. "Hello little sister," she said softly.

Diana smiled.

Gabriella still facing Blayne was about to speak when Blayne moved away to sit down next to her. Gabriella took in a deep breath and turned with a smile on her face as well.

"We just ordered some wine."

"I can't, I have a meeting after lunch." Blayne cut in.

"Okay, we were thinking of order the..." Diana began to say.

"The Flammekeuche?" Blayne said looking at the menu.

Diana smiled indulgently. "Yes, you remembered."

"Of course," Blayne said looking up. "You order it every time we meet here for lunch."

The waitress brought the wine and took the lunch order from the three women. Gabriella had hardly said anything.

"What time are Joseph and the children arriving?" Diana asked.

Blayne's head looked up immediately. She waited holding her breath.

"Ahh….they arrive at 6:30 this evening." Gabriella answered not daring to look in Blayne's direction.

"I can hardly wait to see them. Blayne you will absolutely love Elle and Christopher." Diana said looking towards Blayne now. She was surprised to see the expression in Blayne's face.

"Blayne?" Diana asked as Blayne only stared at Gabriella.

Gabriella stared on the tablecloth. Again, Diana just didn't understand what was going on.

"Why are they coming here?" Blayne asked Gabriella ignoring Diana completely.

Diana looked from Blayne to Gabriella understanding less and less.

"Why?" Blayne asked again.

"They are coming to meet daddy, Blayne." Diana answered.

Blayne looked towards Diana then back to Gabriella who looked up and met eyes full of disbelief, hurt and a coldness that scared her.

Diana didn't like what she was seeing at all.

"I…" Gabriella began to speak and then looked back down at the tablecloth again.

"I think it's very nice of Gabriella to do this for Daddy," Diana interjected.

Blayne continued to stare in disbelief then suddenly began to stare at the water glass in front of her. Diana could see the uncertainty and something else she could not understand going through Blayne's semblance in front of her. Her sister was growing pale and Gabriella looked like she was about to bolt any moment now.

"I thought you guys liked each other," Diana said sadly.

Both Blayne and Gabriella remained silent.

"I want both my sisters to like each other." Diana murmured sadly. "I will need both of you when Daddy…" she trailed off.

Both Blayne and Gabriella looked up towards Diana.

Blayne put her hand over her sisters. "You won't be alone Diana."

"I know." Diana looked up with eyes filled with tears. "I love both of you. I just want you two to remember that we are a family."

Blayne nodded.

Gabriella smiled and ran her hand along her sister's arm. "Yes sweetheart." Gabriella said reassuringly.

Blayne looked up with such yearning at Gabriella. Gabriella was looking at Diana but Diana saw it before Blayne released her hand and straightened up.

"Well here comes our lunch." Blayne gave the waitress a brilliant smile.

All three sisters played at being polite throughout lunch. Diana seemed happy enough.

As they were finishing their lunch the inevitable question arose.

"Will you be coming tonight or tomorrow to the house?" Diana asked Blayne innocently.

Blayne looked at her sister and saw the look of apprehension on Gabriella's face.

"I don't think so. I have to catch up on some things I put off yesterday." Blayne answered with a touch of sarcasm."

"But Blayne, couldn't you have arranged something?" Diana insisted

"How could I since I didn't know Diana." Blayne sounded exasperated.

"I thought that Daddy…." Diana trailed off in confusion.

Blayne looked accusingly towards Gabriella unable to hide her resentment.

"I'm sure he said he was going to tell you." Diana insisted.

"Perhaps it skipped his mind." Blayne simply answered and began eating again. Yeah, right. Nothing escapes Arthur. Damn this whole thing. Blayne looked up to Gabriella. I hate you for putting me in this position. I hate myself more for letting you. I don't want to love you. I don't want to love you! Blayne looked back at her food again as her thoughts kept invading her mind and would not let up their lamentation.

"Well, can't you try to get away for a little bit?" Diana wanted more than anything for Blayne and Gabriella to get along. She just didn't understand why they couldn't seem to get passed whatever it was that had become a visible wall between them.

"No, I don't think so, sorry." Blayne said as she looked up, trying to smile.

"It's okay, Blayne is busy. Perhaps another time." Gabriella finally spoke and assisted.

"Yes, another time Gabriella. When will you be coming back to Boston?" Blayne asked with a forced smile, both she and Gabriella knew what she was asking.

"Soon. I promise." Gabriella said and looked back down to her lunch.