CHAPTER FIVE

I dont get it why would you ask her to come here to Italy? I thought you didnt want to see her? Tina sighed and sipped her mineral water.
Well, talking to her gave me a different perspective. Jess rolled her eyes. Jessica Kennard was the middle sister in the Kennard family. A 27-year-old fox who had been in Italy for 8 months on the arm of Sergi; a handsome Russian who owned a raging jazz club on the bay. Jess was busy DJing and flipping cocktail shakers during the evenings and working as a photographer during the day. On paper, she and Tina couldnt get much different. Jess was a flake; very wise, but a flake all the same. She had travelled all over the world, had had more relationships than she could remember, lived in cities she didnt even remember, started more university degrees than anyone she knew; but had yet to finish one. A jack of all trades but a master of none. But then again, Jess didnt have to be. A good half a foot taller than Tina, with strong thick messy blonde hair, sparkling green eyes and a wicked smile Jess was mesmerising in every sense.
Different perspective?! Thats bullshit! Bette is manipulative and thats all shes doing right now! Manipulating you into letting her back in. Tina shook her head,
Thats not true. She didnt ask to see me; I just gave her my address. *****, she probably wont even come. Tina turned to face Jess, And besides, shes not getting back in anywhere! She said wagging her finger. Jess smirked at her,
Girl, Bette Porter could talk her way into Fort Knox. Face it Peach, you have a weakness where shes concerned. Tina screwed up her face,
I do not, she said defensively, God, I havent even spoken to her in six months, doesnt that prove shes out of my system? They had wandered their way to the busy foreshore filled with people selling more types of seafood than you could imagine. Jess pulled Tina by the arm towards the railing of the pier and they both leaned against it, the sun gleaming off the crystal blue water.
Come on Peaches! Peaches had been Tinas nickname for as long as she could remember. In fact it was not until she had moved to L.A. that she had become Tina. It had always been Christina or Peaches. From memory it had been Eric who started calling her Tina, and it just ricocheted from there. The fact that you havent spoken to her in six months shows shes still in your system.
Look, Jess went on, you have shaken off the shackles of married life faster and harder than anyone I know! God, Im so proud, and yeah, Jess said with a smile, a little jealous of your lifestyle these days. But, part of me thinks you still havent really dealt with the ***** between you and Bette. Tina sighed again and ran a hand through her hair, twisting it at the ends.
Look I know Ive been partying a bit too much as of late, but thats just because I havent been able to in so long. Jess squinted to see her sister better, And yeah, I know I hit the ground running over here, but its not what you think. Jess shrugged,
So explain it to me. She said,
Okay, this is going to sound weird. But all the ***** and drugs and drinking and late nights its kind of just because I can. I mean I want to be having fun right now, but Im also just revelling in the fact that I can. I gave my everything to someone and ended up being I dont know suffocated by her. Tina said struggling to find the right words. Jess, you didnt see me in L.A., I lost sight of who I was. I became defined by Bette completely. Even the girls, they were her friends that became mine. I lost my autonomy, and that had never happened to me before. Jess nodded,
I know. See, Jess said like she was making a confession, Thats why none of us really liked the sitch you had with Bette. You thought it was her, but independently, I liked Bette. It was you I didnt like when she was around. So submissive and well a ***** wench! Both girls cracked up laughing.
***** off! Tina said between laughs. Finally they settled down,
Seriously though, Jess continued, its what worries me about you seeing her. She is so domineering. I mean, she walks into a room and owns it. Owns you. Tina shook her head,
I know what you mean, seriously I do, but thats not going to happen. Things are different now. I feel in control Jess. Of me and my life. Tina smiled, And I love it! Jess smiled.
I can tell. You are a force right now, in your prime. I say; keep it up! It can only get better from here. Tina nodded smiling like crazy,
Thats what I think! I feel as though my life has been on hold for like three years and finally I can just Tina waved her hands around staring out at the water ***** around and get wasted and do crazy things. Do whatever I want! Whomever I want! Not be defined by a relationship or a sexuality or a job or anything! Im loving not having to take care of anyone else, just looking out for me. Its liberating! Besides, you know me; the party girl has always been there! Jess smiled,
Well you are a Kennard. Were addicted to exuberance! Both girls laughed again.
Speaking of exuberance; have you spoken to Coop? Jess smiled and nodded,
Oh my God! She said rolling her eyes, She rang me a few days ago; all I got from her was something about MTV awards, dancing with Snoop Dogg and pashing some pop star! Tina and Jess both laughed at their younger sisters antics.
I know! Tina said with a crooked smile, She called me while she was running, like literally running, through the airport in Miami about to miss her flight back to New York. She had woken up at some girls house at 3 oclock on a Sunday and had no idea where she was. She had exams 9am on Monday! Jess smiled. Cooper was 23 and studying law at NYU. Smart, pretty and wild; that was Cooper. They truly were three of a kind.
Well, Tina said finishing her San Pellegrino mineral water, I better get back to work, I have a lecture at 3. Jess nodded,
By the way, I have a shoot in Croatia next weekend. You should come; its going to be ***** mad. Its for Midori: lots of pretty people doing lots of naughty things. Cams going to be there. Cameron was a friend of Tinas from high school who was now a successful advertising exec based in London. They had been very tight until about five years ago when Tina had settled into a life of monogamy and 8 hour sleep and Cam had high-tailed it for London.
Mmm, sounds like a winner. It would be great to spend some time with Cam. Jess nodded as they walked back to the street,
Well Ill count you in then. She slapped Tinas *****, Thats if youre not back in L.A. washing dishes! Tina turned to swat her sister but Jess was well and truly running down the road by now.