Author's Note: Sorry for the late update, I'll try not to let it happen again.

Sitting in front of her vanity mirror, Elsa fixed her makeup, while Tiana finished getting dressed. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She was far more nervous than she had any reason to be about tonight.

"Mr. Gaston has a bit of a flair for the dramatic, doesn't he?" Tiana laughed.

Elsa stared at her, narrowly preventing the eyeliner pencil from going off course as she turned. "What do you mean?"

"I'm doubting there's normally a big party every time someone makes equity. It's not even like you just made partner, you already were, so it seems like a pretty big event for this," Tiana explained as she adjusted her tie, examining herself in the full length mirror in their closet.

Elsa blinked. How had I not thought of that? "You're right. That is kind of weird."

"Think he's trying to get in your pants?" Tiana asked, looking back over her shoulder to see her girlfriend fighting back the inclination to vomit.

"No. I do not think that. How dare you try to put that thought in my head?" Wiping her lips with a tissue, she studied her own reflection, making sure her makeup was perfect. Any more would only be procrastinating going to the party. She was ready. Her seafoam green dress swished against the floor as she rose. "Are you ready?" Elsa called into the closet.

"Yes, but if you make another coming out of the closet joke then I'm not leaving," her beloved's voice called back.

"I wouldn't dream of it," the blonde lied.

"Of course not," Tiana agreed, as she approached her partner, wearing a grey suit with a white dress shirt. "That would be absurd."

The lightheartedness had managed to somewhat alleviate Elsa's anxiety. The two took each other's hands and headed to Tiana's car, ready for the night of awkwardness that defined any office party.

By the time they arrived, the party was already well underway. There was an open bar set out in one corner of the conference room, while a crowd of lawyers and their guests mingled and schemed under a ceiling lined with streamers. Elsa was stunned – all three of the name partners were in attendance. She couldn't even recall the last time she'd seen Mr. Philip or Ms. de Ville. Taking a deep breath, she focused on the fact that her name would be up there someday, that she wasn't inferior to them. This was nothing.

The table had been pushed to the side and loaded with refreshments, while the chairs had been removed to set up a small dance floor, which was currently unused, as everyone was too busy discussing their upcoming cases and their various billables. Today is about drawing attention to me, after all. Elsa led her celebrity girlfriend onto the dance floor, and within seconds, all eyes were on them.

Tiana held her tight and led as they swayed to the music. The two had taken some dance lessons when they first got together. It had seemed like a good workout and a good way to stay healthy to Tiana, and Elsa had been smitten enough that she agreed despite their schedules. They had kept them up for a year until Tiana's constant traveling had begun to interrupt the lessons. The two had still learned more than enough to impress Elsa's coworkers, and impress them they did. They finished up with an elaborate twirl that ended with Elsa in Tiana's arms as the song stopped and several of the lawyers erupted in applause.

Above her, Elsa caught an amused smirk on her girlfriend's face. She loved the attention. It was hilarious to think how awkward she had been about her celebrity status when they first met. I guess she finally acclimated.

As they headed towards the snack table for some refreshments, Robert Philip stopped them. "Ms. Agnarrsen, you simply must introduce me to the enchanting goddess on your arm." He thinks he's smooth.

"I'm sure you're familiar with Tiana Rose." Elsa smiled wickedly as Tiana took his hand, enjoying showing her off for once, instead of being embarrassed by the attention. Maybe she's rubbed off on me. "Would you like to have the next dance?"

"Oh," he blanched, awkwardly glancing between the two women, "I don't dance."

"Well I'm sure that I'm the one missing out," Tiana offered affably.

"Right," he agreed. "Congratulations, by the way, Agnarrsen, you had my vote, I'm glad to have you in our ranks." He quickly beat a retreat before she had a chance to answer.

With their path cleared, they arrived at the snack table unimpeded. Elsa promptly dug in to the bacon-wrapped shrimp, while Tiana began sampling everything. She made sounds of disappointment and praise as she tried the different offerings. Elsa giggled over her shrimp at the critiques.

Everyone fell silent as Albert stood on the dance floor, clanging a fork against a champagne flute. "I'm sure you all know why I invited you here," he announced. Because you're a showboating asshole who will stop at nothing to show off? "No, it's not for Thanksgiving, that's the party next week. One of our most committed partners was up for equity, and with a unanimous vote, she has been approved. I know you were just here, but Ms. Agnarrsen, won't you come join me?"

"Am I going to have to dance with you?" Elsa grumbled as she abandoned the shrimp to approach her – Wait, are we friends? I should really know the answer to that question. Every fiber of my being wants to scream no, but I am somewhat concerned that that would not be accurate.

As she sheepishly walked towards her friend, he grinned and responded "I've seen how good your date is with knives, I'd rather not cross her, I'll save my dance card for someone else." She reached him and stared out at her coworkers. Every one of them would gladly stab her in the back to be in her position right then. "Elsa Agnarrsen, very few lawyers are worthy of this position, I'm glad to have you with us. Maybe some day your name will be next to mine above the door."

Her nerves steeled at that remark as her face lit up. It absolutely will be. "Thank you, Albert," equals now, right Asshole? "This firm is my life, it's an honor to finally make it this far, and I can promise, my name is going to be up there." If I'm going to make enemies today, I might as well deserve it.

After the toast, Elsa returned to Tiana with Gaston in tow. "So, this is the lovely Tiana Rose, I've heard so much," Gaston declared, extending his hand to the Southern belle. If he kisses her hand I'm killing him.

"And you would be Albert," she laughed, as he brought her hand to his lips. Well great, now I have to kill one of my only friends. "Elsa told me that you were there for her after the trial, thank you. I wish I could have been."

Great, make it sound like I actually appreciate his annoying ass. "I was happy to help. She's a great lawyer and a hell of a lot more fun than most of the pricks I'm stuck with around here." He indicated Robert with a movement of his chin, prompting another laugh from Tiana before he released her hand and helped himself to the last of the bacon-wrapped shrimp.

"Well I'm glad she has a friend like you here." You do remember how much I was bitching about him before, right? That he was the one that gave me that trial in the first place?

A brawny arm slid around Elsa's waist and pulled her flush against the brunet. "That's me," his glinting smile flashed, "Always looking after your girl. We're like two peas in a pod."

"Are we now?" Elsa growled.

"Oh come on, you're not still pissed at me for the Thompson case, are you? I thought we were past that."

"I understand that one, it's more all the various bigoted and hateful comments you've said throughout the year," she spat back, trying to pry herself loose from his grip.

He let her go and she barely prevented herself from falling to the floor. He looked down at her, his eyes soft, as he fumbled for words. "You're right," he finally announced, his gaze turning to the floor. "I've explained my reasoning, but that doesn't excuse my behavior, and I'm sure you're not the only person I've hurt with it."

Elsa blinked, staring into his eyes, which looked almost genuine – downturn and hooded in shame, as she found her balance. "You've hurt a lot of people here. I know you were part of why Anastasia quit in the first place, though certainly not the biggest part."

He looked up, meeting her eyes again. "I'm sorry," he breathed, as he pulled her into a hug.

Elsa resisted making a quip about sexual harassment and instead wrapped a single arm loosely around him and patted gently at his back. It was a start.

When the hug finally broke, they found themselves only a few feet from Ms. de Ville. "Am I interrupting something?" she asked.

Elsa blinked and sputtered, pulling away from the older man. "No, he was – Uh, just congratulating me."

"Congratulatory hugs are always the best hugs," he beamed, his boisterous composure restored.

"Quite," she considered, staring at the ensemble before her. "Mr. Gaston's hug will have to suffice, I'm afraid I'm not much of a hugger, darling. Congratulations nonetheless, Ms. Agnarrsen."

"Thank you, Ms. de Ville," Elsa coughed. She couldn't think of the last time the woman had even addressed her.

"Well I'll let you three get on with whatever chicanery you were attempting." What may have been a laugh barked out from her mouth. It made a shiver run up Elsa's spine. De Ville turned on her heel and sauntered over to the bar.

Following her example, the trio did the same and helped themselves to the drinks. In theory they were free, but as two of them now had their income tied to the firm's earnings, they had already paid for the drinks. They decided to get their money's worth.

The days flew by as Elsa buried herself in proving to all of her new equals exactly why she was worth it. Ten days after the party, she found herself having to say goodbye to Tiana once again.

Tiana was baking provolone crusted chicken breasts, with green beans and minestrone. Elsa set the table while the aromas permeated the house. The two exchanged affectionate glances as they went about their tasks.

When the meal was ready, they sat across from each other at the dining room table. Elsa was going to miss this for the next few days. As much as it was nice to be able to get work done while she ate, nothing made her feel better than sharing a meal with her girlfriend at the end of a long day, knowing that Tiana had waited until eight or later for dinner most of those nights. "The flight's at midnight, right?" Elsa double checked. I'm not going to just assume I know the time again, not after what happened the last time.

"That's right, but you don't have to stay up so late. It's all right, really, I can just call a cab," Tiana insisted as she skewered a few green beans on a fork.

"I'll be dropping you off at ten, it's hardly late, and besides, it's a Friday."

"I don't think I can recall the last time you took a Saturday off."

In lieu of admitting that Tiana was correct, Elsa cut into the chicken and helped herself to a bite. Is saying that her food is delicious redundant at this point? "I'm a full partner now. I can take all the time off I want."

"Does this mean I should start expecting you home for a reasonable dinner time?" Tiana inquired, her face turned towards her plate so that Elsa couldn't read her expression. I knew she hadn't really been okay with that.

"Yeah, unless there's something really urgent, I promise I'll make it home to you before six, all right? I'm sorry that you've had to put up with that for so long."

Tiana allowed a slight smile before dabbing at her lips with a napkin. "It's fine. You put up with me being gone for days or weeks at a time, it would hardly be fair of me to complain about your long hours. Besides, I'm sure they hurt you more than they do me. I love you, Elsa, I wasn't trying to sound annoyed. I'm just glad that I'll be able to see you more. Maybe you could even come with me on my next trip?" Her eyes lit up with the possibility. It had been over a year since the last time Elsa had joined her.

"Of course." Elsa grinned. As much as I hated it, I also kind of loved it. I don't need all that fame and recognition, that's just annoying, but being there, seeing it be filmed, and watching her do what she loves was all amazing. And okay, maybe there's a tiny part of me that liked being on TV. "After we get back from Portland, I promise, I'll join you on your next trip."

"Wow, getting you to leave New York twice in about a month, are you sure you're feeling all right?" Tiana laughed.

"I love New York as much as the next girl, but I love you more."

"Good answer."

"Thanks. You know, some people even pay me to talk, I hear I'm kinda good at it."

"I think they pay me more to say a lot less."

Elsa paused, trying to consider whether or not this was true. We're both paid frankly ridiculous amounts of money for what we do. I'm not entirely sure how it would work out to who makes more. It usually depends on the year for her, but how much of what we each do is talking? My job has been progressively less research as my paycheck went up higher, but I'm not sure even what percentage of that is talking. She doesn't work any stable hours, but what she does is mostly instructing other people. "I'm honestly not sure," she announced, her calculations coming up inconclusive.

"I was just joking. I'm sure you're paid way more for talking than I am."

Elsa shook her head. "You make about as much as I do, and your job involves a lot of talking. It's not quite the same thing, and it's really tough to measure, but I think it's actually pretty close."

"Huh." Tiana mused over this. "You might have a point."

The couple exchanged affectionate glances as they silently attempted to weigh the numbers over their meal. "I have to admit," Elsa began, breaking the silence, "I've completely forgotten what this trip is for. It's not another restaurant opening, is it?"

Tiana gave her a playful glare. "How could you forget, Elsa? I can't believe you. I've probably told you at least once!"

"How about I get on my knees and beg forgiveness?" Elsa offered with a lascivious grin.

"As tempting as that offer is, I think I would end up missing my flight. I'm a guest judge on a cooking show. Nothing major, but it should be fun. Sounds like it's going to be a crab boil, and I'm never one for missing that."

"Oh," Elsa sighed. That would've been my fifth guess. "Is your show still supposed to be coming back for a fourth season?"

Tiana nodded. "Yes, we'll start filming in February. You'll have to join me for that. I haven't had you on my show since back when we first started dating."

"I liked it that way," Elsa grumbled, receiving a stern look from her partner. "I mean I'd love to," she amended. "It's been too long."

"That's more like it." She checked the time on her phone. "We should get going. The pie should be done cooling, I'll cut us some slices for the car?"

"You'll have to feed it to me while I drive, but sure. You go do that, I'll put your bags in the car."

The dutch apple pie melted on Elsa's tongue at a red light. It was creamy and just shy of too sweet. She almost missed the light change as Tiana tried to feed her another bite. "I'm gonna miss you," she sighed, as Tiana ate the piece before it fell on the seat. "It never gets any easier watching you fly off for a week."

Tiana gazed out the window at the passing buildings, hiding her tears. "It'll only be three days."

"I know, but it feels like you just made it back from the last trip. I'm so happy for you, and it's amazing that you do all this stuff and I know you love it, I'm just going to miss you."

"Even though you'll be able to have pizza and fast food?" Tiana retorted sardonically, wiping her eyes.

"They will bring me some comfort."

"I left two meals for you in the fridge. Don't let them go to waste this time."

Elsa smiled, sparing a glance at the younger woman before turning back to the road. "I wouldn't dream of it." This time.

The hug outside the car went on for a good many minutes before the two gazed into each others tear-rimmed eyes. "Don't forget to call," Elsa stated, her arms still on her partner's waist.

"I won't," Tiana promised. "I'll see you soon." Their lips met, tasting salt water.

Elsa watched as she dragged the suitcase behind her into the terminal. At least it's a nice view.

Elsa's fingers raced across the keyboard. "I just booked the flight. I'll be there at 1:00 PM on the 19th. I can't wait to see you! I hope you've picked out the perfect present for me, because basically the entire future of our relationship hinges on it. I really hope you know that I'm kidding, sarcasm in text and all that, you don't need to get me anything, I'm just glad things are back to how they used to be." Are you ever going to tell her why they stopped being like that? You know you need to. You have to own up to why you've been such a bitch to her for the last decade. "Don't leave me waiting at the airport! I'll see you then. Love you!" She clicked send before she could further consider spilling everything. Maybe when I see her, but I'm sure as hell not putting that in an email.

She sent a few more emails to several of her clients, letting them know what was going on with their cases, and in general making sure she had plenty of billable hours for which they would be paying the firm – which she was happy to remind herself now meant her. Then she noticed an email from Elizabeth. Now this is a surprise. I figured that introduction would be the extent of things.

"Elsa,

Just wanted to let you know that I'm taking care of things for Anna (and charging her a very reasonable rate, might I add.) It doesn't look like it should be too complicated, her soon to be ex-husband and she managed to work things out pretty equitably, and I only had to help out a little bit. It'll be going to court next month. Just figured I'd let you know.

Hope all is well with you,

Elizabeth Swann, Esq."

Next month?

"When next month? I'm going to be in town then, I might be able to go as support. Really wasn't expecting that. Maybe we could grab drinks and catch up while I'm there, it's been too long.

I can't believe you write such formal emails to someone you've known for fifteen years,

Elsa Agnarrsen, also Esq. obviously."

She clicked send, chuckling lightly at the soft ribbing. She hoped that her sometimes friend would take it well. Maybe I shouldn't have done that. Crap, I should have just taken the hint and kept things professional. She stared at the screen, chewing on her lower lip. Oh well, too late now.

She continued to watch her laptop as if she expected an immediate response from the other blonde. It is only about 2 there, even though it's Saturday, she may still be at work, she might actually have already seen it. Her fingers beat out a staccato on the computer as she continued to stare.

Her phone buzzing on the coffee table interrupted her anxiety. The display said 'Anastasia.'

"Hey, Anya," Elsa answered. Maybe she wants to grab dinner. I hope she wants pizza.

"Hey, Elsa, I know it's last minute," Anya began, "But Belle and I were wondering if you two would be up for another double date. Hopefully this one would be a bit less explosive. I promise not to storm out again," she offered, her voice somewhere between joking and serious.

"I'd love to, but Tiana is out of town. Next weekend instead?" She offered.

"She's gone again? I'm sorry. How about we head over there?"

Elsa considered this for a second. She was starting to get along better with Belle, but she wasn't sure how willing she was to invite her back into her home just yet.

"I'll grab Motorino's," Anya added, knowing Elsa's weaknesses all too well.

"Get me a margarita pizza," she consented. "I'll see you in a couple hours?"

"Maybe a little less, but yeah, probably around 7."

They hung up and Elsa glanced around for anything that needed tidying up. Fortunately other than a stack of manila envelopes on the dining room table, it was still fairly immaculate. She started an episode of one of the shows she was behind on and waited for her friends. Nope. Not willing to call Belle a friend. I'm waiting for my friend plus one.

A few minutes before seven, Anastasia walked in through Elsa's front door carrying two pizza boxes, wearing jeans and a t-shirt under an Army surplus jacket. I can't even recall the last time I saw her without a suit. Belle trailed behind her carrying two-liter bottles of soda. "Are we having a party?" Elsa asked. "I haven't seen a spread this unhealthy since we were back at Harvard."

"Your girl's out of town and you and I are only just back to being civil. You deserve a day to pig out without thinking about calories or heart burn." Anastasia set the pizza boxes down on the coffee table and threw herself onto the couch before grabbing the remote and scanning through Elsa's queue.

Elsa stared at her for a moment before relenting. "Fine, but if you get anything on the couch, I'm going to kill you."

"That's reasonable. Grab us some plates?" She asked, giving Elsa puppy dog eyes from her newly made indent in the plush furniture.

"All right. I'll also grab some antacid." She walked off to the kitchen before returning with the promised items, only to find Belle still standing awkwardly in the doorway. "Belle, sit down, I'll grab some cups too."

"I just wanted to make sure I wasn't intruding. I feel like such a third wheel around you two. You have years of history. I've, what – known you both for maybe a year?" She replied, hesitantly seating herself in a well-cushioned recliner.

"Honey," Anya laughed, "I'm pretty sure Elsa feels the same way. You're my girlfriend and hers is gone. Well if you're both third wheels, then clearly this is a trike."

Belle stared at her. "I didn't think you two would be into that."

"Uh, what?" Elsa asked, returning with the cups. "Did I miss something? I was only in the next room, I thought I heard everything, but I am deeply confused."

Anastasia stared at her partner. "What are you talking about?"

Belle's face reddened. "Never mind. I misunderstood." She grabbed a slice of pizza and a plate and busied her mouth to avoid answering the questions implied by the continued stares.

The other two exchanged glances before Elsa took her seat on the couch and put a slice of both pizzas on her plate. "Find anything good?"

The redhead continued to study the screen. "Just this painfully straight romcom. I've heard good things about it though?"

"Are we sure we want to encourage that lifestyle?" Elsa asked, sounding earnest as she took a bite of the margarita pizza.

"I know, it's disgusting, but it's literally the only movie I can find that sounds even slightly appealing. Babe, you all right with it?"

"I'll just cover my eyes if there's any kissing. You can put it on."

"Perfect." She started the movie and leaned back before promptly smearing sauce and cheese on her face as she ate a slice of the meatier pizza.

Before the first kiss, all that was left in the pizza boxes was a few stray pieces of cheese and one lone sausage. The sodas had only fared better due to being replaced with wine before the first bottle was emptied. Though the cola continued emptying as Belle cut her wine with it, to the alarmed looks of the old friends. "What are you doing?" Anastasia asked the first time it happened, talking over the man's declaration of love on the screen.

"Wine and coke is really good," Belle explained, her eyes darting between the two.

That's horrifying. "Is it?"Elsa asked. You can be nice to Belle, you can be nice to Belle.

The brunette handed her her cup. Elsa sniffed at it, her nose wrinkling as she studied the strange concoction. "Try it," Belle added, encouragingly.

"You're not really going to drink that, are you?" Anya gaped at the blonde, watching in disbelief as the cup met her lips.

As the liquid reached her tongue, Elsa was surprised that she didn't gag. She swallowed the drink and passed the cup back to Belle. "It's not as bad as I thought it would be, but this is really good wine. You should try it without cutting it. Maybe you'll like it." Extend an olive branch, don't be a bitch, that's right, you can do it. She offered her own glass to the younger woman. There is nothing wrong with her using your glass, don't be weird about this.

Belle stared at the proffered glass before finally taking it. She glanced into Elsa's ice blue eyes as she brought the wine to her lips, slowly tilting it back until the lavender liquid found her tongue. Her eyes widened before narrowing again, as the glass tipped back further. With a languid smile, she handed the mostly empty wine glass back to her hostess. "You're right. That is really good. Sorry for draining your drink."

Elsa held back her irritation and allowed a smile before refilling the glass. "Save the soda for when you're drinking cheap wine. This stuff deserves better than that."

Anya patted Elsa on the shoulder in silent praise as they all turned their attention back to the movie. Having to watch a straight couple go at it was enough to put a damper on the jovial mood as they settled in for the remainder of the film.

As the love song played over the credits, Belle snored in the recliner. "How do you sleep through that?" Elsa asked, rotating in her seat to face Anastasia.

Anya eyed her. "And here I thought you were finally playing nice."

"I am!" Elsa waved her hands in surrender. "I was just joking."

"I was too," her hand patted Elsa's knee, her smile warm. "You're doing a lot better. I'm glad you're finally starting to drop that whole ice queen persona. It's great in the court room, but, be honest with me, how many friends do you have left at this point?"

Elsa took a large swallow of wine before replying. "Does Anna count?"

"How close are you two right now?"

"I told you I'm seeing her in a couple weeks, and we came out to each other."

"All right, Anna counts."

"Then I have three friends." Elsa sighed, staring into her glass. I had zero a month ago, I don't know what I'm complaining about.

Anya turned the rest of the way toward her friend and considered her words. "Anna, Belle, and me?"

"Oh, I wasn't counting Belle." I'm not sure I could ever count Belle. "I meant –" Oh God, am I really going to tell Anya that I'm friends with Gaston. She'll never look at me the same way again. Quick, say you were counting Tiana! "Gaston."

Anastasia blinked, her hand rising from Elsa's knee. "You're friends with that dickbag?"

Elsa swallowed, wishing that she'd taken her own advice. "Kind of. He was there for me when no one else was – when I thought I'd lost you. I'm still really hesitant to call him that, because he is a complete asshole, but he's trying to be better, and I don't know how I would have handled everything without him. Hell, I wouldn't have made equity without him." She promised she wouldn't storm out this time.

"Albert Gaston was there for you? Are you sure we're talking about the same guy? That bigoted douche canoe who said that I shouldn't make partner because I was a 'dyke?'"

Did he really say that? She racked her brain. He said 'lesbian,' but that really isn't much better. "That was my response too."

"Are you drugging him or something? Wait, what's in this wine?" Anya stared at her drink as if convinced she must be hallucinating this entire conversation.

"Well he's been drunk most of the time he's been friendly." Except when he gave me that pen. "Maybe he's just having an off week."

"I don't know how to feel about this, Els. That guy made our lives a living hell the whole time I was there. How can you put up with him?"

"He can be rather trying at times," Elsa admitted. "But when I really needed someone, it was him or no one, so I'm willing to give him a second – or twentieth – chance. I hope this doesn't mess things up between us."

Anastasia glanced at Belle's sleeping form before turning back to the woman across from her, mulling over her response. "If he's really trying to be better, I guess I can move past it, just promise me that this is his last chance. If he does anything fucked up, that's it."

Elsa nodded. "All right, I promise."

"Perfect." Anya took the blonde's hand in her own. "It's a deal. Now, tell me about this upcoming trip. Finally gonna see your grandson now that he can actually talk?"

Why do I tell her anything? Grumbling, she spat back "Nephew! He is not my grandkid."

Belle turned over in her chair, a low murmur escaping her lips.

The two glanced sheepishly at her. "How about we move to the kitchen, break open another bottle of wine, and you can tell me all about it?" Anya offered.

"That sounds like a marvelous idea," Elsa concurred, as they rose and moved to the other room, taking seats at the bar with a nice red. "I think I've already told you everything, except for a new bit I just learned. I received an email while I was waiting for you, the day after I get out there is Anna's courtdate for her divorce."

"Anna told you that? She asking you to go with her?"

Elsa looked down at her wine. This doesn't sound weird at all. "Actually her lawyer told me."

"Her lawyer is breaking privilege to tell you information about her client? What did you do to her?"

"It's Elizabeth," Elsa breathed, inhaling a large swallow of wine.

"Oh." A low whistle emanated from the redhead's lips. "I'm glad you two are talking."

"Yeah."

"That's gonna make for a turbulent vacation," Anya laughed.

"Tell me about it." Elsa relaxed, sipping at her drink. "I'm glad I get to be there for her though, I haven't been there for anything in quite a while."

"No, you really haven't," Anastasia agreed.

Elsa met her eyes, silently pouring her contrition into the blue orbs.

"You've barely talked to her since she went off to college. I know why, but I'd bet my firm that she still doesn't know. You know what she's like! I never met her, but you've certainly told me enough for me to be pretty sure that she's convinced that she did something horrible to you. You have to tell her what happened – why you've disappeared from her life for all these years."

Elsa emptied her glass of wine and watched as crimson fluid refilled the little chalice before taking another sip. "I know I do. But I also know that it will hurt her."

"Not telling her is hurting her more. If you want to move past this then you have to be honest with her. Otherwise she's just going to spend the rest of her life worrying that you're going to abandon her again."

"I didn't abandon her!" Elsa shot back. "She did that."

Anya stared at the floor. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that."

Elsa's grip relaxed on her wine glass before she drained it. "No I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you like that. You're right, I'm sure that's exactly how she feels. I'll tell her, but not until after the divorce, she'll have enough on her mind when I first see her."

Drawing her friend into a hug, Anya whispered, "I'm proud of you."