Coalescence - SF3

by Meagher, Susan X

  "Asked me?" Now the puzzled face took on a blank look. "You asked me something?"

  "Yesssss," Ryan drawled. "I asked if you were there for a special purpose. You weren't ready then, but you've displayed a marked aptitude, and I now think you're ready." She said this with such a serious look on her face that Jamie was even more confused.

  "I...I don't," she stammered, embarrassed that she had been too drunk to remember an obviously important exchange.

  "Jamie," Ryan said as she reached down to grasp her partner's hand, "tonight, you are finally going to learn the secret handshake."

  "The secret..." Jamie's questioning voice trailed off, and the look of puzzlement on her face was replaced by a broad grin. "The secret handshake," she repeated with confidence, anticipation bringing a sparkle to her eyes and a very becoming blush to her cheeks. "I've enjoyed every single thing you've ever taught me, Ryan, and I doubt that this lesson will break that string."

  The two young lovers tilted their heads together and ascended the stairs to the O'Flaherty home, laughing the whole way