Twists of Fate Chapter 8
Title: Twists of Fate (8/?)
Chapter 8
Pairing: Jo/Blair
Rating: T
Disclaimer: This is Facts of Life Fan Fiction. I don’t own Jo, Blair, or their counterparts from the TV shows…I only wish. I am going to be adding a few of my own characters however.
Summary: Zayne and Blair spend time alone with the girls getting to know one another. The group enjoys their time together in DC before taking a quick trip down the coast in a yacht and end up going to a charity Gala Warner Industries is sponsoring. I hope you enjoy the ride.
Thanks to everyone who has read and reviewed. Also a big thanks to all of you who have favorite or followed. Enjoy your reading.
Previously… Once they were all in bed the girls were soon asleep after a big day. “Blair would you accompany me and the kids to the Children’s Museum tomorrow? They have been around no one, but adults and older kids lately. I thought it would give them a good chance to interact with kids their own age, and we could talk and spend some time together while we watched them.”
“I would like that very much, but what about the others?” Blair was excited about getting to spend some more time alone with Zayne and the twins.
“I thought they would have fun on a couple of scandal tours that wouldn’t really be appropriate or exciting for the girls.”
Blair laughed. “It sounds like something the others would enjoy.”
“We better get some rest, these two may run us ragged tomorrow.” Zayne snuggled down turning towards the middle of the bed, seeing Blair had done the same, placing one of her delicate hands lying across Zoe’s back. Zayne moved her hand from Abby’s back sliding it over to cover Blair’s as the two women followed the children to dream land.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Chapter 8
The next day Zayne, Blair, and the twins had a blast together. The morning started out with breakfast at Founding Farmers where everyone ordered something different and they shared and tried different things. The twins liked seeing how their Mom and Blair acted together. The couple felt comfortable enough with one another to eat off of each other’s fork when they tried food. The kids discovered they really didn’t like leek hash browns and Blair wasn’t a fan of pan roasted red beets. Zayne thought red eye gravy was not her cup of tea, but all loved the New Orleans style French toast.
Zayne and Blair sat together on benches and toured some exhibits at the children’s museum while the kids learned and interacted with other children on the many and varied exhibits. The girls loved dress up and pretend a lot and learning about other cultures.
Blair told Zayne about the pictures and videos she had seen of Zayne’s like since she moved to Cambridge. “You looked so different when you arrived there. I would never have recognized you. Your Faith was beautiful and it was easy to see how much you loved each other. I am glad you found someone and were so happy. I am sorry that you and the children lost her.”
“I was a different person in those early pictures. The way my parents treated me and then everything else I went through with my run in with those wack jobs and all that happened afterwards when I woke up changed me. It was hard and not the way I would have wanted to go about it, but I believe I grew as a person from it all. I am stronger now than I was then in many ways. If it hadn’t have happened I never would have met Faith and though I miss her a great deal, I still have two wonderful living memories of the love we shared. Those two girls are my world and what keeps me going in life.”
“I wish I had found what you shared with Faith. Tad seemed so attentive when we met and during our engagement. He didn’t push for a more intimate relationship before marriage and I thought I had found my future. My parents were both happy with Tad and my father had grand plans for building the Warner Empire.”
“What happened? That is if you want to share.”
“I knew from our honeymoon that I hadn’t really found the love of my life. I thought our first time would be special, that my husband would take time with me and make love to me. It was quick and painful and Tad didn’t seem to really care how much I enjoyed it. He thought those few minutes should be enough for me to enjoy our time together as much as he did, and was angry when I didn’t respond how he thought I should. I tried. I even read books to try and help, but ended up faking it just to make him happy.” Blair looked down at her lap as the ugly memories flooded her mind.
“We had been married a few years when I suspected he was having an affair, but I had no proof. It was later when I came face to face, so to speak, with the reality of his infidelity. We had an awful argument and he told me he only married me to get on my dad’s good side and to become the next head of Warner Enterprises. I also found out he had been cheating on me since I met him, from the time we began dating till the time I caught him. It was all a lie. I don’t want that anymore. I am not going to let society or my parents dictate my life for me. I haven’t for a while now. I still work for my father, but only in his charitable foundations department. He doesn’t think I am suited to take over for him or hold any more important positions within the company. He is still upset with me for not being able to have children.”
Zayne put her arm around her friend and offered her a handkerchief as a few tears escaped.
Blair laughed. “I can’t believe you have one of those on you. You are a real gentlewoman you know that. You always have been, even when you were a bratty teen from the Bronx.”
“My mom may not approve of me now, but she loved me when I was little and taught me many good lessons. I think that is what made it even harder when they disowned me. My parents had seemed to love me so much all my life until that very moment. I knew it would be hard for them to accept and that they would be upset, but the level of hatred, disgust, and disappointment I saw when they looked at me was completely devastating.” Zayne checked to make sure her kids were doing okay before turning to Blair.
“We are both very different people than we were then, Blair. You are even more beautiful and compassionate than you were then and I have always enjoyed your intelligent mind. I am sorry for the hardships that you went through and that I couldn’t be there to help you through them. I have always considered you one of my best friends and now that I don’t have to hide anymore I will always be there whenever you need me. And just so you know I think your dad is a blind idiot and Tad Warner was lucky to have had you as a wife and was a fool to not cherish you as you deserve.”
“I am so glad you are back in my life. I am really enjoying getting to know you Zayne.”
“I feel the same Princess.” Zayne reached her other hand over linking her fingers with the blonde’s.
As it did upon their first meeting at Zayne’s Hampton Estate hearing that husky voice call her Princess in that sexy accent caused Blair’s heart to race. Not to mention having the woman’s strong arm around her, their fingers linked, and all the kind words. Blair was surprised her heart hadn’t raced out of her chest.
The moment was eased as the twins rushed up to them. Zoe had on an oversized suit jacket and carried a briefcase and Abby had on a lab coat with a stethoscope around her neck. “Look Mom and Blair, we are just like you two.” Abby bounced to a halt.
Zoe smiled broadly. “I am a lawyer like Blair and Abby is a surgeon like Mom.”
“You two look very good. Now can you show me something you want to be that is all your own. What is something else you may also want to try in your life?” Zayne smiled at her lovely daughters, she was so very proud of her girls. The twins eyes lit up and they took off running back towards the dress-up center.
The dark haired woman smiled as she watched her kids playing with the other children. “It is nice to see them having fun like any other kid. They haven’t done much of that since we arrived in the States. It seems like we are going to be here a while. I think I need to see about getting them involved in some activities here like they were in back in Cambridge.”
“I can help you find programs for them. They told me what all they did at their home in England.” Blair offered.
Zayne squeezed the smaller woman’s shoulder. “I would greatly appreciate that.”
The girls came back many times showing the outfits they would change into. Zayne dutifully took pictures for Fiona and Teddy to add to the albums. She even texted a few to her family along with assurance that they were having fun and got the same in return from those who were on the scandal tours.
The remainder of the day went on in the same vein. Zayne and Blair talked about a lot of their lives since they had parted and participated in certain events with the children. Their late lunch was another shared exploring adventure. They visited a nature center after lunch where the nature loving kids got some hands on fun with the great outdoors. They called ahead to room service on the way home because the kids looked worn out and probably wouldn’t last long after arriving at the hotel.
The four of them ate a simple meal together and the women worked side by side bathing the twins from head to toe before tucking the droopy eyed girls into the center of the big bed they would all be sharing again later that night. Blair showered in the bathroom off their shared bedroom and Zayne grabbed a few things and went to the other bathroom to shower.
Afterwards they settled down at a chess table that sat before the window with a view of the lite up city beyond. They enjoyed the time alone together, they talked and sometimes lapsed into a comfortable silence simply enjoying one another’s company while they played.
The rest of the gang didn’t disturb them though they did get texts from almost all of them when the group returned to the hotel. They would all meet up for breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
The happy group stayed in DC till Wednesday, when Zayne said she wasn’t needed by her patient anymore and she had done all she could with the Joint Chiefs for now. Everyone had enjoyed their time in the Capitol and were looking forward to their trip back up the coast to the Hamptons.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Their party was delivered to the marina a little after noon on Wednesday. There were many beautiful boats and yachts in the marina, but most of the group was shocked when they were led to the largest and nicest one currently parked there. This was another purchase Zayne had kept close to her vest. Cake Walk was written in scrolling letters on the side of the top deck of which there were five.
The yacht held four staterooms with king sized beds. Zayne and her girls were staying in the largest one and with a little prodding from the twins and finally Zayne, Blair found she would being sharing a room with them like she did at the hotel. Martin and Teddy took another, Fiona and Marie took the third, and Edna and Beverly Anne would share the last stateroom with a king bed. There were two staterooms with double beds and Natalie and Tootie took each of those.
The guests toured the yacht as they made their way out of the marina. They found four external decks with a blend of open and shaded seating. The sun deck had plenty of observation chairs, sun loungers, and card tables along with a bar and large whirlpool spa.
Blair loved the large bathroom off the largest stateroom she was sharing with Zayne and the twins. Marble was everywhere with a large whirlpool tub, and a separate walk-in shower, as well as, a seating area to put your make-up on and do your hair. The whole yacht was elegance personified.
There was an elegant grand staircase, even a fireplace, and grand piano to be found on board.
Natalie sat in one of the sun loungers next to Tootie. “Being friends with Zayne sure has its perks.”
“You can say that again. Can you believe this boat? It is incredible.” The actress relaxed back on her lounger.
“Can you believe how easily our old wallflower friend from the wrong side of the tracks, now rubs elbows with world leaders? I mean they freaking seek her out!” Nat was still in awe of the woman her old friend had become.
“It really is incredible. Do you think she and Blair have kissed yet?”
“I don’t think so. I don’t get that vibe from them yet. I have noticed the hand holding and the leaning together they do. Zayne also often rests her hand protectively on the small of Blair’s back when they walk together. I think they are still getting to know one another as women and getting comfortable with what it would be like for them as a couple, as well as a quartet. Those twins have got Blair all wrapped up.”
The women laughed together. “I think it’s great. It is about time Blair found some happiness and she is great with the twins.” Tootie accepted a drink from the staff member who offered one. Natalie followed suit. It was going to be another fun filled few days.
When night fell Mrs. G asked Zayne if she had kept up with playing the piano. Teddy snorted. “Kept up? She has gotten better. Zayne plays almost every day.”
This prompted the others to push Zayne into playing for them. The woman even sang a little. She played one snappy piece that her girls had choreographed a song and dance to. All-in-all it was a lovely evening. The next few days followed an enjoyable pattern of fun and sun on the ocean.
Once arriving back at the South Hampton estate things settled down and the Peekskill group and the Cambridge group blended into one and got along like they had known each other forever.
Another week went by of the group vacation, although Zayne would escape to her study for one or two hours every day to handle business, and the girls would do the same with their studies, usually with Blair watching over them.
On the following Wednesday Blair announced that she was going to have to attend a Gala event Saturday night to raise money for one of the charities Warner Enterprises was sponsoring. Everyone was invited to the event. It was decided they would all travel to the city together. Tootie and Nat would stay at Tootie’s luxury apartment. Blair stated that two well-appointed two bedroom executive suites on the floor below her penthouse were available for the others to stay in, as well as her guest rooms.
Upon arrival in the city it was decided by Edna and Fiona that the boys could stay in one executive suite and that the four older women would stay in the other. That left Zayne and the twins to stay in the penthouse with Blair. All of the group was doing what they could to give Blair, Zayne, and the twins the opportunity to spend as much time as possible together.
Marie and Beverly Anne were not much interested in attending the Gala and decided they would stay home and watch the girls. They would have movie night in the theatre room in Blair’s penthouse.
Around noon on Saturday Zayne was called away to Cedar Sinai for a follow-up with the judge, and a consult about some other cases the head of the trauma unit needed a second opinion on. She had to pick-up her dress that afternoon anyway so she kissed her girls goodbye and told them to be good for Marie and Beverly Anne. She would probably not see them until the morning, because they had better be asleep when she and Blair returned from the Gala. Zayne told the others she would meet them there and was off after a quick hug to the blonde she suspected already fully owned her heart.
FoL FoL FoL FoL FoL
Blair looked fabulous in a simple yet elegant bronze sheath dress that showed generous cleavage and the sleeveless design showed her lightly toned sun kissed arms to perfection. A slit up the side to just past the knee made for easy maneuvering. She sipped her champagne and asked Martin the time once again. “Did she call any of you and say she would be late?”
Blair was worried something had come up when she hadn’t heard from Zayne all afternoon and now the Gala was underway and the woman still hadn’t shown up.
“Don’t worry dear, Zayne will be here or she would have called.” Martin patted her hand that was resting in the crook of his arm.
“Darling, it seems like ages since I have seen you. I heard you had luncheon with the President and First Lady. How on earth did you manage that?” Came the drawling tones of Monica ‘formerly’ Warner’s voice.
Blair turned to her mother as she approached seeing her dripping in jewelry and a flashy, yet tasteful dress and on the arm of another social climbing male. One at an age Blair wasn’t sure if it was another possible fix up for her daughter or her Mother’s actual date.
“Hello Mother. I have been out of town visiting friends. One of those friends introduced me to the President and First Lady.”
“Excellent. Does this friend happen to be single?”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Even more excellent. It seems I don’t need to introduce you to Phillip here, you have things well in hand. What does this friend of yours do for a living?”
“They’re a surgeon among other things, Mother.”
“Wealthy?”
“Yes, Mother.” Her voice sounded as tired as she felt from her Mother’s non-stop social climbing and pushing her to marry this man or another to advance her standing.
“Are they near your age and attractive?”
“Yes, Mother.”
“Marvelous, sound like you have found yourself a winner darling! You better not let this one get away!”
“I agree with your Mother on this. It is about time you settle down again.” They all turned as David Warner and his latest too young wife joined them.
Blair laughed at that. She glanced at her friends and saw the answering twinkles of amusement there. “I am glad you approve. I will do my best.”
Martin squeezed her hand tight and cleared his throat into his hand to keep from laughing aloud. They all heard Tootie and Nat snickering with Teddy. Fiona and Edna winked in glee at each other.
“Mother, Father, you remember Mrs. Garret from my Peekskill days as well as Natalie Green and Dorothy Ramsey.”
“Yes, it is good to see you again.” Monica air kissed them all.
David Warner nodded to them. “I have heard you have all done well for yourselves.”
The three women nodded in return giving the appropriate answers.
“I would like to introduce you to some new friends of mine. Mrs. Fiona Langdon, Dr. Martin Casto and his spouse Mr. Teddy Casto, they are in the states visiting from Cambridge, England.”
“Nice to meet you. I do hope you are enjoying your stay.” Monica smiled at them.
They exchanged proper greeting with both Monica and David and his wife before a hush fell over the crowd as all eyes shifted to the top of the stairs.
A tall strikingly beautiful dark haired woman with a very regal bearing stood casually surveying the crowd. Her hair was full of large wild curls pulled back off of her face and shoulders to cascade down her back. One shoulder and arm were bare since the dress only had one full sleeve that fit down to the wrist on a well-toned arm and shoulder. The bodice slashed across the front to under the other arm leaving the opposite shoulder and arm bare except for a beautifully carved thin gold band around a sculpted bicep. The long dress was form fitting and slit up to just above mid-thigh on both sides revealing plenty of long leg as the woman walked. The dark blue black shimmering dress showed of a long elegant neck and as she passed people saw that the back also displayed a generous amount of skin.
The woman looked like a Goddess come to earth. She commanded the room as she descended the stairs and made her way across the space to the only person who existed for her in that moment, the beautiful golden Princess staring back at her.
The Goddess stopped in front of the golden haired beauty. “You look absolutely radiant, Princess. I apologize for my tardiness, but it could not be helped.” She offered her hand. “I know I heard music playing and saw couples dancing when I arrived. I am sure they will start up again for us. Shall we?”
Blair Warner placed her hand into the one of the person who had just swept her off her feet.
Zayne led her Princess to the floor and the music began to play again as the two beautiful women danced together alone in the middle of the crowded ballroom. Neither noticing nor caring that they were the center of everyone’s attention. The couple moved together like they had been dance partners for years.
“At this moment I believe I am the luckiest of people. You look absolutely radiant Blair. When I am near you the rest of the world falls away.” Zayne couldn’t believe Blair actually took her hand and was now waltzing with her for all the world to see.
“You certainly can make an entrance, Zayne. You had me and everyone else mesmerized the moment you appeared. You are also a marvelous dancer. I have never felt this safe in anyone’s arms.” Blair relaxed into the waltz letting Zayne lead completely. The woman was confidence, power, grace, and beauty personified.
“You are the only one I wished to mesmerize and I will always do all I can to keep you safe.” Her gaze told the smaller woman all she needed to know and they danced the rest of the waltz in silence their attention only on each other. No one else dared to join the dazzling couple on the dance floor.
Continue to chapter 8 part 2