Series: Scenes From an Italian Restaurant

Title: The Virtue of Patience

Author: Carla

Email: cmfloresfd@yahoo.com

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimers: I of course own none of the characters actually seen on the show Popular but I do own the original characters herein. Billy Joel is the genius who inspired the title of the series.

Archiving: Okay to the Realm all others please ask.

Feedback: Send it directly to me at cmfloresfd@yahoo.com All of it the good the bad and the ugly is useful fodder for the next installment.

A/N: A wedding and some questions answered. This hasn't been beta-ed so any and all errors are mine. Takes place a short while after Universally Accepted Truths. Enjoy.

Lily looked impatiently at her watch mumbling to herself when she saw what time it was, "Great we're going to be late I just know it." She called up the stairwell "Tory c'mon the rehearsal starts in forty minutes and with traffic…"

"I know I know" Tory raced down the stairs coming to a stop in front of her Latina roommate / co-parent. Breathlessly she asked, "How do I look?" twirling around while she did so, for Lily's inspection.

"Fabulous as always."

"Thank you thank you. You're looking mighty fine yourself. You have the car keys, his bag's in the trunk and the directions to the restaurant do you have those?"

Lily held up the keys "Directions are in my purse. Ready Freddy?"

"Mommy how do I look?" three-year-old Victor tugged on the sleeve of Tory's shirt. Tory knelt beside him and pretended to inspect his outfit closely. He was in a little suit complete with tie and jacket.

"You, my little man, look very spiffy indeed but I'm sure Mama already told you that didn't she?" Victor nodded and stuck his thumb in his mouth. It was a habit they were trying to break him of and so Tory firmly but gently pulled his thumb out of his mouth.

"You know little man let's try not do that today okay? Do you think you can try not to?"

Lily spoke up, "Yeah you don't want everyone to think you're a big baby do you?" Lily ruffled her son's sandy colored hair chuckling as the boy shook his head emphatically `No'.

"Okay then we're off" Tory stood, snagging the car keys from Lily's outstretched hand as she did so, "I'm driving."

"How you doing back there Vic?"

"Okay."

"Did you remember to pack his Superman jammies?"

"Uh-huh and Hedgie too."

"Thank God we don't want a repeat of last time."

"That's for sure."

The last time Victor had spent the night with his father they had forgotten to pack his stuffed toy hedgehog, Hedgie. Hedgie was actually a plush chew toy for puppies that squeaked when squeezed in the middle. Someone, Nicole actually, had bought it for the then three-week-old Victor not realizing the actual purpose for which the toy was intended. Nonetheless Victor loved him and could not sleep without him. This had been amply illustrated when, after all attempts at getting Victor to stop crying had failed, an obviously distraught father and son had shown up on their front door step at three in the morning.

"Is Daddy going to be there Mama?"

"Yes he is sweetie and tonight you're going to stay with him at Grandma's house remember?"

"I forgot."

"We're here. Looks like we're the last one's to arrive" Tory pulled into the parking lot to The Manor at Weir Creek, the inn where the wedding and reception tomorrow was to be held and where some of the out of town guests, such as Carmen and Nicole, were staying.

They got out of the car and Tory carried Victor inside. The child squirmed in her arms, twisting and turning in order to see everything and everyone around him.

"Daddy!"

Tory put him down and Victor ran towards his father who crouched down with his arms wide open. "Daddy!"

"Hey it's Daddy's big boy. Hi Lily, Tory."

"Sugar."

"SD"

"It's good to see you two, thanks for letting me have him this weekend."

"No problem we need a break and he needs to see you," Lily said.

"Your looking good Lily, you too Tory what's up with you guys?"

"Not much really," Lily answered, "You know I'm working out of the house now and Tory's moved into an office downtown. We bought the house from Jack last month so that's nice and all. How about you?"

"Well Josh and I finally, officially, called it quits. You know I stopped playing football last year after that injury shot my knee, right?"

"I remember."

"Well I guess all that extra free time made me think or something and I realized that Josh and I…well the only thing we ever really had in common was football. After awhile there wasn't anything left to say to each other and then he started seeing someone else on the side and well…" the still beefy ex-football player shrugged his shoulders.

"Daddy look see I tied my shoes all by myself" Victor proudly showed off his accomplishment.

"You did, wow and you did a really great job."

Just then the door to the inn's main room opened and Brooke poked her head into the entryway.

"C'mon you guys we're all set to begin."

The wedding rehearsal over, people began to leave for the rehearsal dinner. Tory, Lily and SD walked through the parking lot to Tory's car, Victor skipped along in front of them.

"So SD listen we…uhm…we…errrr wanted to talk to you about Vic."

"Is anything wrong?" Lily cut in before SD could get full swing into panic mode.

"What she's trying to get out Big Guy is that…we wanted to tell you before anybody else, seeing as how you're Victor's father and all and well you know what affects him affects you and…"

"I'm pregnant" Tory stated bluntly.

"She's pregnant" Lily echoed.

"Oh my God when did this happen? Wait a minute…Tory I thought you know…you were…"

"A dyke? Yeah so?"

"Nothing just…Wow! So mind if I ask?"

"Donor, sperm bank, four months."

"So you two are…"

"Going to raise it together? Yeah…Victor you stop right there. Don't take another step what did Mama tell you about running into the streets" Lily called out.

Victor stopped and waited for his parents to catch up to him. Sugar held out his hand and Victor grabbed a hold of it.

"Swing me Daddy."

"Actually I was going to ask if the two of you had finally gotten together."

"Swing me Daddy!!"

"Okay. Ready? One, two three" SD grunted lightly as he swung Victor around in a giant circle before putting him down so that they could cross the parking lot hand in hand.

"Anyway Sugar, we just wanted to give you a heads up is all."

"Thanks Tory I appreciate that. Does he know yet?"

"No we were going to tell him after the wedding sometime next week. This way he won't accidentally blab to everyone and steal the show."

"Good plan. It shouldn't surprise me that he can't keep a secret; Josh used to always say that I couldn't keep a secret either."

They arrived at the car and Lily gave SD Victor's overnight bag "Now his Superman jammies are in there and Hedgie too."

"Thank God."

"So we'll see you tomorrow at the church right?"

"Uh-huh. My mom's going to watch him."

"Remind her that he's allergic to tomatoes so no ketchup or spaghetti sauce okay."

"Will do."

All three exchanged hugs and then Lily and Tory said goodbye to Victor.

~~~~~

"Ladies and Gentleman if I may have your attention please; it's time to announce the Bridal Party. Ladies and Gentleman the groom's parents Mr. Jefferson Anderton and Mrs. Pauline Rice. The bride's parents Mr. Michael McQueen, Mrs. Jane McPhearson-McQueen and Ms. Kelly McQueen."

Everyone applauded as the emcee continued.

"The ring bearer, ladies and gentlemen, Mackenzie McPhearson-McQueen. Next we have our bridesmaid and groomsman, Ms. Samantha McPhearson and Mr. Leonard Fletcher. The Maid of Honor and the Best Man, Ms. Nicole Julian and Mr. Timothy Heath Anderton IV…And now I ask you to direct your attention to the doorway. Ladies and gentlemen please stand", everyone stood as a hushed air of expectancy filled the room. "It is my pleasure to introduce to you, in their first public appearance as man and wife, Dr. Cary Jason Anderton and Mrs. Brooke Heather Anderton."

The room filled with applause and well wishes called out from the crowd as the newlyweds crossed the threshold into the banquet hall.

After dinner came dancing, Tory was sitting at a table drinking water and watching Lily dance with Victor, SD and Sam when Marcy appeared next to her, hand out stretched "Dance with me, sister dearest."

"Okay but I lead"

"No way."

"I'm older."

"I asked."

"I'm taller."

"Oh sure throw that in my face yet again" Marcy pouted but let Tory lead her out to the dance floor. They danced together for a few songs before Tory claimed thirst and headed back for the table and a glass of water.

"You know Tor you look beautiful, you're glowing even. If I didn't know any better I'd swear you were getting some." Tory snorted at that.

"Yeah well…" her voice drifted off and Marcy followed her sister's gaze.

"You know sister dear there are several women here checking you out. I could introduce you."

"No thanks."

"C'mon Tory."

"Marcelene"

"Victoria Constance"

"Marcy, drop it. You're drunk and I'm happy…happy enough with my life."

"What `life' you don't have a life. You've spent the last five, almost six, years pining away for a girl you will never get. No matter how much you pretend and play house. It's time to move on."

"You know what Marcy you don't get it at all. We are not pretending. I am not `playing' house. Lily, Victor and I are a family and yeah you're right I do want…I want more so badly sometimes its like a physical hurt. But I'm a realist too and the reality is that if this is the only way I can be with her then so be it."

"What is it about her? What's so special about this one woman?"

"Remember how Mom use to tell us that everyone had a soul mate, their other half and how when you find that soul, that person you're supposed to be with you just know."

"Yeah."

"I just know. She's it for me. She says so herself, Mars…I am perfect for her in every way"

"Except."

"Except."

"Well for God's sake Victoria get your head out of your ass. Lily loves you but she will never be `in love' with you."

"You're wrong Marcy" a solitary tear made its way down Tory's cheek and she absentmindedly swiped at it before continuing. "I just have to be patient. If I'm patient…"

"I know patience is supposed to be a virtue and all that but at some point you're going to have to come to the realization that patience has become a joke. Now you see that woman over there, the blonde in the charcoal gray Donna Karan suit. She's a classmate of Brooke's at UCSF, her name is Linnea, she's single and she's been watching you all night. I'm going to wave her over here and you are going to make nice small talk. Maybe dance even, okay?"

"Don't. I don't want to dance. I'm tired."

"You're going to dance with her." Marcy waved the blonde woman over.

~~~~~

"Who was that woman you were dancing with?"

"Linnea Tyler, a friend of Brooke's from school."

"Our exit is coming up. From med school?"

"Uh-huh" Tory began signaling to get over into the exit only lane.

"Oh…do you like her…I mean you spent a lot of time talking and dancing with her."

"She was nice, funny…I enjoyed talking with her."

"Oh" Not for the first time Lily felt oddly uncomfortable, panicked even, at the idea that Tory might be interested in someone else. She chose not to examine the implications of this, instead asking, "Do you think you'll see her again?"

"We made plans to get together Wednesday, actually."

"Oh"

The ride continued in silence till they reached the house and parked the car in the driveway.

"Home sweet home I can't wait to get out of this dress" Tory got out of the car and stretched to her full height with a sigh of relief.

"Thanks for driving Tor."

"Not a problem, what the hell you might as well enjoy the next few months of my designated driverhood."

"Is that even a word?"

"Is what even a word?"

"Driverhood?"

"I don't know, probably not but that doesn't matter you got the point and that's what matters right?"

"Right. How are you feeling?" Lily unlocked the front door and let Tory walk past her.

"Beat, my feet are killing me."

"Go upstairs and get ready for bed I'll bring you something to drink and your vitamins then I'll rub your feet, okay?"

"Sounds good to me" Tory kicked off her shoes and climbed the stairs to her second floor bedroom, "Lily, sweetie?"

"Yeah" Lily called from the kitchen.

"Could you bring me some milk?"

"With ice?"

"Please, that would be great."

** KNOCK KNOCK **

"Come in"

"Are you decent?"

"Like that's ever stopped you."

"Your milk over ice, madam. Oh and don't forget these lovely treats" Lily held up a bottle of prenatal vitamins.

"Oooh Scooby snacks" Tory held out her hand, "You're so good to me, I think I'll keep you around."

"Why thank you" the petite Latina stroked the side of Tory's face, "We take good care of each other don't we?"

The question hung in the air unanswered as Tory began to brush her hair.

"Let me do that," kneeling on the bed behind Tory Lily began to brush the other woman's thick auburn hair.

"Thanks"

For several minutes the only sound in the room came from the brush slowly dragging through Tory's hair and the occasional soft moan of pleasure that escaped her throat.

"We do"

"Hmmm?"

"Take good care of each other…and Victor."

"And this new baby too Tor. I'm here, I'll be here…I mean it. No matter what."

"I know"

"God I'd kill for hair like this you know?" Tory chuckled at this.

"You always say that."

"And it's always true." Putting the brush down she began massaging Tory's scalp and neck.

"Mmmmmm don't stop, feels good."

"You're such a massage whore…lie down."

"Why do you think I asked you to live with me?"

"Because you have a white knight complex and I was 18, unmarried and pregnant. Not to mention you needed a roomie after Marcy left."

"You know me so well it's scary…Oww! No fair pulling the hair."

"Sorry couldn't help myself, brat…you've got a knot right here," the petite masseuse pressed down harder working the muscle more deeply, "Too hard?"

"No feels great."

"So you're going to see her again huh?"

"Hmmm?"

"Linnea, you said you were going to see her on Wednesday, right? What are you going to do?"

"We're going to meet up for coffee and then go play Scrabble at the GLBT Community Center."

"Gee Tor," Lily teased, "No wonder you're still single, great first date there."

"It's not a date."

"Why not?"

"Several reasons not the least of which is I'm not interested."

"Why not she's cute, obviously she's smart. You could do worse. You have done worse, remember "Stick"?"

"Oh God don't remind me."

"So?"

"C'mon Lil be real. I am in no position to start anything with anyone" <<Except you>> "I'm four months pregnant, I have a child already and well need I say more?"

It was a rhetorical question since they both knew the unspoken truth Tory was in love with Lily and had been almost since the beginning of their friendship, six years ago. Lily continued stroking Tory's back, her nails lightly scoring through the worn cotton of the Grateful Dead shirt Tory wore. The petite brunette lay down on her side and scooted closer to the long lithe form so that they were almost touching. Close enough that she could feel the heat coming off of the auburn haired beauty's body in waves. Now she ran a fingertip up and down Tory's spine, ending with her hand playing with the thick mass of hair at the base of Tory's neck.

"I love you Victoria Constance Langdon. I love you." This last was a mere whisper that seemed, to Tory, to be filled with the wonder of sudden realization. Rolling onto her side Tory faced Lily, reaching out as she did so to push the hair away from Lily's eyes and face. She smiled ruefully and sighed.

"Huh. I didn't think you'd had that much to drink but…" at the younger woman's perplexed look she explained, "You don't usually say that unless you're drunk."

"I tell you I love you everyday practically…don't I? I think it every day."

"You usually do but you say "I love you, Tory" or "Love you", this is different."

"Oh," Lily inched forward so that she was nose-to-nose with Tory, so close that the other woman could feel her breath as she talked, "Let the record show counselor, I have never been more sober than I am right now. I love you Victoria Constance Langdon. I love you. No…shhh…listen to me" Lily stopped Tory with a fingertip to her lips. "I am so glad you are not interested in that woman. Oh God I am so glad. I saw her watching you tonight and…" she gave a small shrug, "I don't know all of a sudden it hit me: I don't want anyone to look at you the way she was looking at you and I found myself thinking "What's she doing looking at my Tory. Mine." And then Marcy dragged you over to meet her and I got so jealous…I'm such a hypocrite, Tor, such a hypocrite…all these years it's been okay for my friends to be gay, but not me you know? And for a long time I've known the truth, that I love you. That I've been in love with you for a long time and too scared about what that meant to do anything about it."

"Loving me doesn't mean you're gay Lily. It might not even mean you're bisexual, it just means that you fell in love. Sometimes the desires of the heart and desires of the body don't go hand-in-hand. If you're not physically attracted to women then you're not physically attracted and …"

"I've slept with a woman…a couple of months ago. I met her at the gym. She reminded me of you, tall and elegant and incredibly long hair that I pretended was yours' when I wrapped my hands in it.

"I don't want to hear this. I don't want to know." Tory sat up, shoulders hunched over. She shrugged off Lily's small hand, "You don't get it do you Lily? I love you I love everything about you. There isn't anything I wouldn't do for you. But you know that, God knows you should because I've said it often enough over the years."

"I know."

"Did you know that I get up everyday, everyday and the first person I think about is you, then Victor. The two of you are my life, my family. Did you know that loving you, having you in my life, makes me feel as if I am capable of doing anything, anything at all. That all I want is…" Tory sniffled, "I want to lay the world at your feet. I feel like anything, everything, I do I do `better' for you. Because only the absolute best I have is even remotely good enough for you."

" "Never settle for anything less than the very best your own excellence can command.' I read that somewhere once."

"That's it exactly."

The bed shifted as Lily moved to kneel behind Tory. Gathering the thick mass she held it away from Tory's neck, "Braid or ponytail?"

"Braid"

In the more than three years they had lived together it had become a ritual of sorts for Lily to brush then put Tory's hair in either a braid or a ponytail before they went to bed. This had always been in many ways the high point of Tory's day, a `permissible intimacy' as it were, that she cherished. Tonight was no different.

"You are so beautiful Tor, inside and out, you are the most beautiful person I have ever met." Tory tried to turn her head so that she could look at Lily.

"Stay still I'm almost done", Lily admonished, "I slept with that girl because I was curious, just curious, and I didn't think it would be fair to…you know…to come to you about that. Maybe that was wrong but I didn't want to hurt you…hurt your feelings just because I wanted to know what it would be like to sleep with a woman. You deserve better than that you deserve more than just `Curiosity Sex'."

"You'll have to excuse my less than ecstatic response to that. Don't you think I'm capable of taking care of myself? The choice was mine to make Lily, you should have given me the", her mouth went dry and words left her as soft lips grazed the smooth column of her neck. Olive skinned arms slid around Tory's waist as Lily pressed the length of her torso into the other woman's back.

"I'm giving you the choice now." The whispered words sent chills down Tory's spine and she shivered in Lily's embrace.

"Why?"

"Because I don't want to settle for anything less and you shouldn't either."

"Lily?"

"Because I love you. Because I am in love with you with your patience, your wit your intelligence. Because I love your hair, your smile and your beautiful slate gray eyes. Because I love that you're going to have a baby, our baby, that Vic's going to have a brother or sister that you chose to raise another child with me. Because I dream about our future, you and me, and because I could see my future slipping away as you danced with that woman. Nicole once said to me, a long time ago, when she and Carmen were first getting together that she just `knew' that Carmen was her future, that she wouldn't have it any other way and that she would do anything to make it happen…Anything Tory anything."

"I'm not going anywhere Lily I will always be a part of your future. You don't have to sleep with me to ensure that. Don't get me wrong…I can't think of anything better, anything else I would rather do than make love to you with you. But if the only reason you…I would love nothing more than to hold you, kiss you, touch you learn your body but more importantly I want you to want those things too. Not because you fear losing me but because you crave my touch as much as I crave touching you." Tory sighed and turned off the bedside lamp. She gently removed Lily's arms from around her waist and lay down. "Stay with me tonight."

"Of course." Lily lay down next to her and snuggled up as close as she could. They lay in the dark listening to each other breath each lost in her own thoughts.

Finally Lily broke the silence, "It was okay, different but okay, good even."

"But it wasn't you."

"No…it wasn't you."