I was walking onto set with Starbucks in hand and my beats in ear. I cannot believe it is season three already. I had read the first script so far and I am pretty excited about the direction they are taking my character. Quinn has always been fun to play. I mean the whole bitch, pregnancy, popular girl thing but this was really going to be something new and exciting!
The first person I see as I walk into the table read is Lea. She spins out of her chair and comes running at me , "There she is!" Lea shrieks and wraps her arms around my waist.
"Hey stranger," I grumbled back as I took my ear buds out and wrapped them into my clutch. I wanted to be angry with her. I couldn't help but smile though. It's beyond adorable the way she looks when she is excited to see me.
"Stranger? Okay Dianna I know its been awhile but stranger is a bit harsh don't ya think?" Lea chuckled as she stepped back.
"Awhile? Geez Lea, it's been a month!" I said back pretty annoyed. I don't know what has happened to us. We started tour inseparable. We bunked together, sat together on the flights, we were practically attached at the hip, and then half way through things just got awkward. I hadn't seen her since the morning after the last show when we were all boarding our different flights to head home. Not seeing her for that long was eating away at me. Ever since I started realizing I had feelings for her I found it hard to be around her but it was even harder to not be with her at all.
"I know, I know. I am so sorry. I have been extremely busy but I thought about you everyday!" Lea smiled that smile and grabbed my hands. "Please forgive me! I promise as soon as we have a free night its you and me babe. We will just vegetate on the couch. Okay?"
Oh, how could I resist that face. "Okay, sounds perfect."
Lea smiled and led me to a chair next to hers, "Awesome!"
I slowly sipped my coffee as I admired her moving her lips as she silently read her lines. The others started to pile into the room and everything was right in the world again. I cannot stand when we aren't filming. I am a busy body by nature and although I usually find plenty of things to keep myself occupied I miss my friends terribly.
I was home with a few bags from Trader Joes full of all of our favorite snacks and beverages and ready to spend the night with one of my favorite people. I was getting the spinach dip ready when Arthur started his sad little excuse for a bark at the window. I peeked out to see Lea practically skipping up the walk. I opened the door and was greeted with the usual warm hug.
"Oh my goodness, I smell spinach dip!" There was that shriek again.
"Well you really didn't think we could have a girls night without it did you?" I laughed. Lea and I practically lived off of spinach dip when we shared our place.
We made our way into the kitchen and started pouring our wine.
"Oh Dianna the pink is you darling," Lea exclaimed as she ran her fingers through the front of my hair. Instant goosebumps.
"Ha, ha, ha." I replied.
"Actually it is kinda hot. I mean its like the bad ass Dianna." Lea winked at me and headed to the living room. Sometimes I wonder if she knows how I feel about her and she teases me on purpose. No, no. I have to remember this is how Lea and I have always been. We were like this with each other long before I started having feelings for her.
I followed her with dip and pita in hand and sank into the corner of the couch. Lea was at the other end already barefoot with legs stretched out onto the coffee table. She laid her head back on the back of the couch and let out a deep sigh.
"You okay?"
"Yeah, just so tired! I swear I don't remember the last time I had a solid nights sleep."
"Well you better not crash on me yet! It is only 4 o' clock!" I giggled as I took a sip of my wine.
"Oh, no way babe. I have been looking forward to this. I miss you." She tilted her head to the side and smiled at me.
"I miss you too." I sighed.
We sat in silence for a minute as Arthur found his way onto her lap.
"So, what happened Lee?"
"What do you mean?" She re-poured her wine. Oh man not even twenty minutes and she was on her second glass. Either this night was going to be interesting or she would be asleep within an hour.
"I mean, with us. Like half way through tour you became super distant. I tried not to think much of it but something didn't feel right. And then when tour was over and I didn't hear from you at all. I mean its not like us."
Lea looked down at Arthur and took another sip. "Don't get mad okay?" Eh I hate when conversations begin like that.
"Okay," This time I took a gulp of my wine.
"Well, you know how we all joke about the whole Achele thing?"
"Yeah," I rolled my eyes. The fans aren't the only ones hoping that Achele happens.
"Well, you know nobody ever took it seriously until the tour. When all of the videos and pictures continued to pop up night after night of us on stage Cory started to get upset."
"What do you mean?" I said a little angry and confused. Cory was usually the main one laughing about it all.
"He said that it was starting to become harder and harder to pretend like nothing was going on. I reassured him that nothing was, we are just friends, but he didn't hear it. He said if we were just friends why didn't I act like that with everyone else. I told him that I did and so did you but he just kept saying 'not like that'"
"So, you stopped talking to me because Cory assumed there was something going on that wasn't?"
"I didn't mean to stop talking to you. I never realized you felt that I had. I just tried to cool it down a little because if he was so convinced I assumed everyone else was too. I didn't think either one of us wanted to deal with that."
"Deal with what exactly? People have been saying that we were something more than we are for a long time. I just don't understand why its becoming an issue now." This time I had to refill my glass.
"Di, please don't get angry. I didn't mean for it to make you upset. I just thought you deserved to know how Cory was feeling."
"Why didn't he just talk to me about it? I mean we are all friends, right? Since when are we hiding feelings from each other." Ouch, that one stung to say. I'm guilty of hiding my feelings every day.
"Well, Cory and I have become a lot closer. We are pretty serious now. I mean he is practically living with me. You know guys, he probably just feels threatened by you."
"Oh, please. He has to know better than that."
"I don't know lady Di. You are pretty irresistible." Lea winked at me and smiled."Come on, you know you wanna smile. We don't want to spend our night upset!"
I shrugged my shoulders and took another sip.
"Dianna...you know you want to smile..." Lea set her glass down and crawled over in front of me. "Dianna, come on, smile!" At this point she started tickling me and making goofy faces and I cracked.
"Okay, okay," I laughed. "I'm over it!"
"Good." Lea laid down next to me wrapping her arm around my waist. "Now, what movie are we watching first?" She said as she yawned.
"Why don't we just take a nap. I could use one and you are one glass of wine away from a deep sleep."
"No, no, no this is our night I'm not spending it sleeping," Lea said followed by another yawn.
"We won't. I will set my alarm for an hour and then we can order in dinner and enjoy the night,"
"Okay," Lea said this time eyes closed.
I smiled and pulled the throw blanket down over us and we both drifted off to sleep.
I woke up, not to the sound of my alarm, but to Lea stroking my nose with her finger nail and giggling. "Wake up sleepy head"
I smiled. She sat up on one elbow and started tracing circles on my t shirt. "So what do you want to do?"
"I don't care. We can get take out or we can head out for dinner or something."
"Ya know Nay text me earlier and said that her, Kev, and Harry were all headed over to Chords for dinner and drinks. They wanted us to join. I told them no because it was our night but if you wanna go we definitely can."
"Yeah, actually that sounds like fun. I have been so focused on my site and such lately that I haven't had a night out in a while."
"Awesome I will let her know we are coming and we can head over." Lea stood up, phone in hand, and headed to my bedroom.
I followed behind, after I cleaned up our glasses and spinach dip that we unfortunately never enjoyed. I walked into a very familiar situation Lea standing in her bra and panties digging through my closet. She made it a habit to raid my closet whenever she was over and I usually did the same when I was with her.
"Oh my this is amazing!" Lea shrieked as she pulled out the new dress I picked up on tour.
"Well put it on!"
Lea slipped into it and I helped her fasten up. The blue fabric hugged her in all of the right places and showed off her flawless tan back and shoulders. She flipped her hair around her shoulder and I planted a small kiss on her bare skin. Sometimes I just can't help myself with her. I know I shouldn't do these things and I start to get angry with myself when I do. On the other hand, we have always been this way, long before I realized that I liked her in that way. If I just stopped being affectionate with her she would wonder what was going on and that would create another set of issues.
"You look hot babe!" I smiled at her as I stepped into my closet to change.
"Thanks lovely. What are you thinking about wearing?"
"I have no idea." I said as I slipped out of my jeans and started rummaging through the hangers.
"Well you could just go like that," Lea giggled, "I don't think anyone would mind"
I laughed as I reached for my favorite black dress that I don't wear as often as I should. "So is anyone else coming tonight?" I didn't ask what I wanted to ask which was is Cory coming tonight. I love Cory but I feel relaxed around Lea again and I wanted to enjoy this night.
"Well Amber and Jenna had plans. Nay said that Heather and Taylor are going to stop by for a bit. Darren just text and said that he was on his way to some event and Chris said he would have to do it another day."
"Oh okay," I replied still unsure if I was going to have a good time or not.
"And stop worrying because Cory is with some friends out of town at a concert." Lea smiled at me as she leaned against my closet door. She knows me too well.
"I wasn't worried."
"Oh you so were." Lea laughed as she zipped me up and placed her hands on my hips and rested her chin on my shoulder. "It's going to be a good time babe."
We walked into Chords back yard, way overdressed, as usual. Lea and I were always overdressed. Naya was sitting at his bar with a drink in hand in some jeans and a blank tank top looking hot as ever and Kev was standing next to her with a beer laughing hysterically as he usually is when they are together.
"Hola ladies," Naya said as she saw us walking up.
"Whoa, where's the red carpet?" Kev laughed. As I said we were way overdressed.
Chord came through the patio doors with a tray of turkey burgers and random veggies to throw on the grill and Harry started pouring us drinks.
"Oh shut up Kev. We just like to look good!"
"Hey now, I'm not all decked out and I know I look good." Nay said laughing.
"Honey, you always look good," Lea said as she took her drink from Harry. We all tossed our phones in an empty bowl behind the bar. It was like our policy when we all hung out. When we aren't working its just us. No phones, no work, no internet. Just us.
We had all made our way around the table on the patio as Chord brought over piles of delicious food. Lea and I were next to each other across from Kev and Naya. Harry and Chord were at the ends of the table when the gate opened.
"Whats up bitches!" Heather yelled laughing. She walked up holding hands with Taylor and Chord pulled up two more seats.
Naya ran up and gave Heather and then Taylor a hug. Despite what people love to assume there is nothing between Naya and Heather. In fact, Naya adores Taylor and respects their relationship a lot. Now, I'm not saying Naya doesn't like the ladies, but as her and I both decided months ago we don't put a label on ourselves anymore. Love is love. We describe ourselves as gender blind.
We all sat around the table laughing, eating, and talking with our mouths full. We do that a lot because we get so passionate about things nobody takes the time to swallow before talking over someone else. At any given time there is at least four conversations going on inside of one big discussion. I love my friends.
I was finished eating and sipping on my third cocktail of the evening when Lea slipped her hand on my thigh. She started running her fingers up and down and in little circles as she continued talking to Harry about this new show she wanted to see. Something was different this time. I'm used to Lea being overly friendly, as a group we are all very touchy feely people, but something about the way she is touching me and looking at me tonight is just different.
"So, what do you think," Heather nudged me.
"Huh," I snapped out of my thoughts, "I'm sorry, what?" I laughed.
Heather giggled, "are you up for a swim?" The sun was setting over the pool and it was such a gorgeous night. I looked over and saw the guys already jumping in, Heather was in a suit, and Naya headed into the house to change. Geez how long had I been spaced out.
"I don't have a suit," I replied and there was no way I was ruining this dress.
"You don't need a suit, silly." Lea smiled at me as she stood up and motioned for me to unzip her.
"You are not serious." I laughed.
"Oh, come on. It's not like everyone hasn't seen us in our underwear before. Tour was nothing but all of us stripping down in front of each other. Don't be shy now." She smiled and motioned for me to unzip her again.
I did as I was told and Lea stepped out of the dress to reveal that gorgeous body in her matching pink bra and panty set.
"Turn around, I know you're not going to ruin that dress," Lea laughed as she began unzipping me.
I stepped out of mine and immediately felt a chill.
"OW OW!" Naya yelled as she walked through the patio doors and headed to the pool."Looking good Ms. Agron!"
Lea grabbed my hand and we ran to the pool. Thank goodness for heated pools because it was starting to get chilly out. The guys were in a heated game of HORSE with the pool basketball hoop and Heather was busy doing random handstands and such under water. Naya was floating around, drink in hand, and laughing every time one of the guys slipped trying to look like a bad ass. Lea was leaning up against the edge, head back, and all of that beautiful hair draped over her shoulders with the tips in the water. I made my way over to her and leaned back next to her.
"Still tired?" I said as she turned her head to look at me.
"Something like that," Lea smiled and I felt her hand grab mine under water.
"We can go if you want to."
"No, I'm having an amazing time. Unless you want to."
"No way, this is the most relaxed I have been in a long time." I felt Lea's hand slip behind my back and she started to rub up and down.
"Well, good. You know about all of that stuff earlier."
I took a deep breath and tried to prepare myself for what could possibly follow. "yeah."
"I hope you know that no matter what anyone thinks or says nothing could keep me from being your friend. You are so important to me and I always want you in my life."
I smiled, "Thank you babe. You too. I can't imagine my life without you."
"Yeah, I don't know what happened on tour but I was just working through some things I guess and wasn't sure how to handle everything. I'm really sorry though and it won't happen again."
I was a little confused. What was she working through that she couldn't talk to me about? We shared everything with each other. Well, not everything I guess. She has no idea that I think about her constantly. She has no idea that every time I look at her I imagine myself kissing her. Oh well, I am having an amazing night and I am not getting into it now. "Its okay hun. Don't worry about it. The important thing is we are back to us again."
Lea smiled at me, "Okay well I'm going to go get me another drink! Want one?"
"No, I'm good for now."
"Okay be back in a bit." Lea jumped up on the ledge and pulled herself up and I couldn't help but fixate on her perfect body as it glistened in the moonlight when she walked away.
"Everything better between you two now?" Naya said as she swam over to me.
"Yeah, we talked it out. I guess" I was still slightly confused over the whole thing.
"Good, I can't stand when the group feels separated and it definitely did there for a bit."
"I know. Sorry about that. But it seems as though we are good now. I just hope that things aren't weird between Cory and I."
"Why would they be?" Nay took another sip of her drink.
"Well Lea said that he got worried about all of the Achele speculations that were happening on tour."
"Oh please. He will get over it. You two have been like that since day one. Why is it bugging him now?"
"I don't know. It all seems a little odd to me. Lee was pretty vague when she was talking about it. I don't really care to know all the details I just don't want things to be awkward."
"Yeah, I hear ya. Besides everybody knows if any two ladies in this group were hookin' up its you and I." Naya swam up against me.
Naya and I have this funny kind of friendship. The first time we kissed was when we were drunk at my birthday party before tour and ended up having quite a hot and heavy make out session. We both blamed it on the alcohol, ha ha, until it happened again the first night of tour and we were completely sober. Everyone knows, its not something that is hidden between us, and its not something that happens a lot. Usually when all of us get together at one point throughout the night Naya and I find our way to each other. We've never discussed a relationship. We have never needed to. Naya isn't a relationship person at this stage in her life. She is enjoying being financially secure and all of the freedom that comes along with that. I could never think about being with Naya in a relationship because I am obviously head over heals for Lea. I've made up my mind though that Lea is never going to be able to give me what I want from her and that's okay. As long as she is in my life I am completely grateful. I get confused with myself sometimes. If I am so crazy about Lea how can I make out with Naya all the time? I've concluded that Naya just helps me get through the lonely times. We give each other that intimacy that I think every person needs in their life. Especially when I know Lea is at home with Cory. With Naya it's just fun. It's safe. It's comforting.
"I know! Long live Nayanna?" I laughed. "Or is it Rivergron?"
"Either way, I'm on top," Naya laughed as she leaned in and kissed me.
I must admit this girl is an amazing kisser. She quickly finds my waist with her hands and I wrapped my arms around her neck. I can taste the rum on her tongue and I feel my body start to heat up. She is pushing into me and I find my way down to her bikini bottoms and rest my hands comfortably on that amazing ass of hers.
The kissing has been going on for what seems like hours when I feel water splash up on the side of my face.
"Oh ladies. As soon as I saw Naya pouring the rum I knew it was only a matter of time." Lea laughed sipping on her drink.
Naya and I both giggled. "Yeah, yeah. Speaking of rum I need a new drink!" Naya winked at me and made her way to the edge of the pool. I watched her pull herself out of the water and for a split second imagined what it would be like to go further with her. I mean, look at her. The girl can wear a bikini.
"Ladies, it's bon fire time!" Kev yelled and we all made our way from the pool to the fire pit.
After refilling our drinks and saying bye to Heather and Taylor we made it over as Harry was lighting the pit. Chord had brought out some towels for us and Naya was throwing bags of marshmallows at everyone. Lea grabbed a towel and wrapped it around the two of us as we snuggled up by the fire.
"So, I saw the two love birds were getting hot and heavy again," Chord laughed as Naya walked over and sat down across from us.
"Shut up! We are not love birds," Naya laughed before I could say anything.
"Oh please, you all just need to hook up already. Make it official." Kev laughed.
"Hey, when I finally convince her to go all the way, trust me ya'll will be the first to know." Naya laughed.
"And the only ones to know!" I chimed in.
"You ashamed of me Agron," Naya laughed hysterically.
"Babe, if you were my girl I would show you off to the world!"
"Okay..." Lea said, "Lets play a game!"
We were all still laughing as Kev said, "What do you have in mind?"
"TRUTH OR DARE!" Harry and Chord both screamed.
"Oh hell yeah!" Naya chimed in.
Lea turned to me and smiled, "Looks like we are playing truth or dare."
"Another drink and I'm up for anything," I laughed as Naya topped me off.
The game went a few rounds with everyone playing it safe and asking questions that most of us already knew the answers to but now the third bottle of rum was being passed around and Naya jumped up.
"Okay, my turn." She said in her Snix voice and we all got nervous. "Lea, truth or dare?"
Lea smiled and took a swig of her drink, "Dare baby! Bring it on!"
Naya chuckled, "Alright, I dare you to kiss Dianna."
"Oh please. Diana and I have kissed before. She's my bestie," Lea said as she leaned over and gave me a quick peck. "Not your best dare Nay."
"What the hell kind of elementary school shit was that!" Naya laughed. "I didn't say kiss Di like she's your grandma. I said KISS her!"
All eyes turned to us and I admit I became nervous. Lea and I both looked at each other and I felt my heart start to race. We cuddle, we hold hands, we hug, but we don't kiss. It's not like with Naya. Naya and I have fun. Lea and I, well, I don't know what we have but it's different.
Lea leaned over and whispered in my ear, "Are you okay with this? I mean, it's just a game, right?"
I gulped, "Yeah, yeah... of course. It's just a game." Why didn't it feel like it was just a game.