Dear Readers, Here is a newly rewritten chapter that integrates with the core of the original Wildcat Fall. This is the continuing saga. I would appreciate any feedback. Constructive criticism is important to me as I am rewriting this story. Thanks.

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Chapter Fifteen

Tiffany called Gina as she drove from their rental townhouse out to the band house. “Hey, girl! How long’s it been since we’ve hung out at the house?”

Gina laughed. “Too long. I count a month since Teri’s surgery, right? Add in vacation weeks, way too long. Whatcha been up to?”

“God, I hate it! I’ve been through Hell! I’m spending my days focusing on so much crap!”

“Crap?” Gina laughed.

“You know. Like tile, and sinks, and faucets. I’m drowning in this! Seriously, who really looks at that stuff? Right? Like I’m supposed to care about kitchen layout flow and where to put the dishwasher. And did you know that kitchen appliances come in textures and colors? And don’t get me started about counter tops and backsplash tile!”

Gina was laughing. “Sounds like you need a break.”

“Break? No! I need to stop this shit and get laid. Seriously, this whole experience could drive me back to drink. I mean I want to be part of this ‘cause Mike is doing all this for us. But I am so totally out of my mind!”

Gina stood there listening. Then she smiled. “Where are you?”

“I’m just leaving the townhouse where we’re living while they redo our place. It’s over near Bruno’s place.”

Gina was getting her keys. “Okay. Stop and turn around. Meet me at Lowes.”

“Lowes? Gina, no! I don’t want to look at any more of this shit.”

“I agree. You need a specialist to do all the heavy lifting for you. We’re going to find you that person.”

“At Lowes? But that’s where you buy nuts and bolts.” Tiffany was laughing. “I don’t want a lawnmower. I need to get screwed.”

Gina was laughing along with her. “Sure, don’t we all. But you need a person who does all that work for you. We need to find you someone who listens, measures, and then draws everything up. After that, they make up computer images, pretty drawings of what you need. Then you look through a catalog until you find a kitchen that you like. Then they even come out and install the whole thing. You just hand them your credit card. After that, we’ll talk to an interior decorator. You look through another catalog and point at what you like. Boom, hand them your credit card.”

“Seriously? That easy?”

“Yep. I’ve seen how it's done. Grace redecorates whenever she wants. And she owns a couple of properties. I’ve watched her tear down walls and all that stuff without ever batting an eyelash. She just points and nods. She’s a queen.”

Tiffany was smiling. “Now you’re talking. I’d like to be a queen. Yeah.”

“And those people will do the same thing for your bathrooms. Speaking of bathrooms, are you going to go for the double tub?”

“Natch, babe. Mike wants us to have a bathroom he saw in Architectural Digest.”

“There you go. Point at pictures, hand them your credit card.”

Teri came out early to the band house before everyone else because she wanted to play her vinyl at full volume. When Zoe walked in and saw Teri dancing around and playing air guitar, she smiled, watching Teri’s skirt lift as she spun around. Zoe stopped to think if she’d ever seen Teri wearing a dress offstage.

Zoe turned the volume down to get her attention. “You’re going to blow out the windows, Little. We never even play this loud down in the studio.”

Teri had the biggest grin on her face, which was red with excitement. “Hey, Zoe! Yeah, but that was Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble. Did you hear those riffs?”

Zoe was nodding at her and shaking her head. “Couldn’t miss ‘em.”

Teri was loving all of this after weeks of recovery. Just getting out and getting wild was fun. “He’s got this completely different way of strumming his guitar; I’ve got to show you.”

Zoe was glad to see that Teri was back to her usual excitable eighteen-year-old self. “And I will listen and learn.”

Suddenly, Teri stopped and hugged Zoe. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m really excited about being back. Please excuse my craziness. How are you and little Boomer?”

Zoe put her hands under her growing belly. “Boomer is going crazy. She’s got weeks to go and wants out. And honestly, I’m scared, but ready.”

Teri looked into Zoe’s eyes. “How’s Bruno handling this?”

Zoe laughed. “He’s more frightened than me. He’s burying himself in design projects, disappearing in his workspace, and taking business meetings whenever he can. He even went downtown and did a shift at his tattoo parlor.”

Teri was nodding. “I was thinking about getting another tattoo, but I want to talk to Min first, then maybe fly down to Atlanta. I have to ask Jenn if she’s interested in a getaway. Besides being my nurse, she’s been buried in her classes.”

“Does she like it?”

“School? She loves it. That woman likes being challenged, and high school never got her excited. I think they bored her to death.”

“Who loves it?” Tiffany yelled out as she and Gina walked into the living room.

Teri went over to hug the women. “Jenn and the University of Pennsylvania. She’s having a great time.”

Tiffany kissed Teri on the lips and smiled. “Oh, I thought we were talking about sex. You know, I could come over and give the two of you pointers. Love to get the two of you under the covers with me. But, you know, since your surgery, maybe Gina would be the expert, after all, she’s our vagina queen!”

Gina was looking at Tiffany and shaking her head. Then she turned back and smiled at Teri. “Four weeks since your surgery, right? Got any feeling down there yet?”

Teri grinned. “Enough.”

Tiff clapped her hands. “Have you had the big O yet?”

Gina laughed, shaking her head at Tiffany. “Ah, yes. Tiff has a way with words, doesn’t she?”

Teri hugged Gina and then whispered in her ear. “What did Grace think of your gift?”

Gina smiled. “She loved it and said it was better than an engagement ring.”

Teri kissed her ear. “Do you think I should buy a ring for Jenn?”

Gina smiled. “The way I see it, she’s going to propose to you. I think that you’re meant to be her blushing bride.”

“C’mon. I’ve heard that before, but I’m not all girly. Why am I the bride?”

Gina tugged on Teri’s summer dress. It was a sleeveless, body-hugging cotton-blend top with spaghetti straps and a flared skirt that came two inches above the knee. “Because you look like a princess. Get some extensions, and you’ll be perfect bride material. If you wear a white gown, would Jenn go masc and wear a suit?”

Teri looked shocked and whispered, “I was thinking about extensions. Do you think that’s too gay?”

Gina hugged her. “Listen to the girl who’s got the brand new vagina worrying about being gay. I love you, babe, and you know Jenn will love however you look. But talk to my sister and see what she says. You do have a beautiful face, and longer hair would look sweet.”

Teri squeezed her back. “Well, I’m just floundering here. Since my surgery, my body’s been changing. I’m fleshing out.”

Gina looked her over. “Where?”

Teri looked uneasy. “My boobs, hips, and butt are all getting swollen. It’s crazy. The surgeon’s got me on this hormone prescription. She said it will help me heal faster. But I’m bloating out and feel like a whale!”

Gina nodded. “Has Jenn noticed?”

“Uh-huh. She’s all over me, like groping everywhere. And now I have to buy bigger bras. I’m more than an A-cup.”

Gina held her at arm's length. “Is that a new dress?”

Teri sighed.“Yeah. It’s been much easier to wear dresses since my surgery because I have to wear a pad. Capris and leggings are too hard to manage. Eventually, I’ll get back to sweats.”

“Girl, wearing a pad, you can pretend you’re having your period.”

“Yeah, that’s what Jenn said. And I told her that’s not funny.”

Gina was studying her. “You’re not wearing a bra either, are you?”

Teri blushed. “I don’t have the right bra for this dress. And well, I was going to buy more, and Jenn told me to wait until I stopped growing. Growing! It’s like I’m going to need all new clothes. I’m dreading having to go back to Jersey Girl and talk to Barbara. This is embarrassing. I mean if I use my hands and push my boobs together, I can make cleavage! It’s just all too weird.”

Gina hugged her. “It’s okay. It’s a woman thing. Welcome to the club.” As she was hugging, Gina cupped Teri’s chest gently. “They’re nice and soft. Does that feel good when I caress them?”

Teri turned bright red. “Uh, yes, it really does, and well, everything feels good. It’s driving me nuts. Jenn is doing all this stuff to me, and I lose my mind and start screaming. I have no control and melt when she does all that.” She looked around to see if anyone was listening. “I’m having these huge orgasms that make me moan and cry out. It’s totally humiliating.”

“Cause you’re acting all girly and gay, huh?”

Teri stared out into space, then turned to look at Gina. “Well, yes. Everything’s different. I liked my old body, and it was familiar. But now, it’s more than my surgery; it’s my whole self that’s changing. And the worst part about it is that I want more.”

Gina smiled. “Okay. You definitely need to share what’s happening to you with Grace. You know, talk about how the physical changes are playing with your mind. You can bring up the sex part as a side bar.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“Teri, you’re experiencing woman issues. Sure, I get how you don’t feel equipped to handle it. There are a lot of emotions you’ve never dealth with. You have a great counselor who happens to be a woman, if you haven’t noticed.”

“Oh, I have. And that’s half the problem. My whole brain is overwhelmed with sex, and it’s getting worse. I’ve always had this enormous crush on Grace, and I’ve been afraid to say anything. I mean, I fantasize the two of us taking our clothes off together. But I know if I say the wrong thing, she won’t be my counselor anymore. And how am I supposed to talk about orgasms with her?”

“Did you have orgasms when you were Terry?”

“Nothing like this. I mean, they were never real guy orgasms cause nothing worked. Just little climaxes, sad little climaxes.”

“And since you’ve had your surgery, it’s changed?”

“Jenn tells me that my mind has relaxed and I’m able to let myself go. But it’s upsetting. This all makes me crazy, like mad-dog foaming at the mouth. And I don’t have to be high. Although…”

Gina squeezed her hand. “Welcome, girly, welcome. Ain’t it great?”

Teri blushed. “And that’s what makes it so embarrassing. It’s awesome.”

Gina gave her a hug. “Okay. So we’ve established that you’re not sick or dying by opening another door. Adjusting is unsettling, but exciting.”

“Okay.” Teri winced. “So this is normal?”

“Yep. Grace and I experience this all the time when we make love. It’s best when we both just relax and enjoy what we’re doing together. Have you always pleased Jenn?”

“Of course. I love getting her excited.”

“And now you understand how you make her feel.”

“Yeah, but in some ways, I thought it was my guy brain pleasing her. You know, I guess I saw myself as the top. But I’m realizing that I was never in charge. And now it’s the losing control part that scares me.”

Gina smiled and hugged her. “Yeah, but you get the fact that it’s not a guy brain inside you, just your brain. Try to imagine it’s your first ride on a giant roller coaster. You’re frightened, nervous, scared, all those things. But then you realize that you’re thrilled, too. And all that excitement is like an orgasm. Suddenly, you’re not frightened and looking forward to another ride.”

Teri wiped tears from her eyes. “Uh-huh. Yes.”

Gina kissed her. “Promise you’ll call Grace today.”

“Okay.” Teri sighed and hugged Gina. She watched her go over and talk to Zoe. Teri watched as Lisa walked in, and everyone was hugging and kissing. It was amazing how much they loved each other. Sighing, she realized that she was truly a Wildcat now, a member of an all-women band if she accepted that being intersex is the same thing. As she was daydreaming, Lisa yelled out to her.

“Hey, Little. How about giving us a rundown of this Vampire Romeo and Juliet rock opera you’re writing?”

Teri blushed and realized that everyone was looking at her and smiling. “Yeah, it’s a rock opera, kinda like what Green Day did. And yes, it’s about Vampires. Now, here’s a thought: legends tell us that both Vampires and Zombies spread through bites. I’m wondering if they carried viruses. And we know that viruses mutate, well, never mind on that. But can you imagine that we’re just another mutation?”

Teri saw everyone losing interest and sighed. “It’s all there on your iPads. Zoe and I wrote some lyrics to the opening song, and I’ve filled in the backstory. It tells the classic story. And yes, I’m stealing from Shakespeare and Twilight’s author, Stephenie Meyer. We’re still roughing it out. I’m hoping we can make it a Wildcat album eventually.”

Tiffany stared at her. “Eventually, huh? You mean we sit around and wait while you work on Beyonce’s and Taylor’s new album?”

Teri laughed. “No, Tiffany. That project’s out of my hands. They wanted it done by December 1st, so I’ve kicked it back to their production teams. I helped create a set list and select some duets. But everyone involved with this is much more experienced than I am. So I passed it all upward. And we really don’t need to be their backup band either. We did that already. One and done.”

Lisa nodded. “So where does that leave us?”

Teri nodded. “Yeah, well, we have time to work on Wildcat music. I’ve got two songs here for us today, and it should go along smoothly until Boomer shows up in a couple of weeks.”

Tiffany looked at Zoe and squealed. “Weeks! I thought months!”

Zoe smiled. “I thought I had six weeks, but she’s acting like she’s ready to make an appearance. So I’m just building a nest out of twigs, feathers, and cashmere. And no, Tiffany, I’m kidding. No sticks.”

Lisa started talking. “I was with Jessica Jade. You know she’s been doing a deep search of our sperm donor and actually found him. He’s a record producer in New York. The guy plays with a blues band on the weekends and has a hot girlfriend. Okay, so I digress. You all know that Jessica supports an organization that helps battered wives and mothers escape from failed relationships and start a new life. Often, these women require a new identity and assistance with relocation. So it’s expensive. And she and Mac have this outreach project that helps GI’s, too.”

“And someday, Teri and I will share what it feels like when a motorcycle gang tries to drive you off the road and is shooting at you.”

Teri sat there with a smile on her face. “We all survived.”

A voice came out of nowhere. “How much does she need?”

Everyone turned to see Richard standing in the entrance doorway with Bill Wiggins. While the Wildcats all came over for greetings. Bill looked at Teri. “I’m here because Teri wrangled us into helping produce the superstars’ secret Christmas album. We’re going to donate our profits, and Jessica’s foundation is a great one. Teri also mentioned the World Central Kitchen, too. I’m sure that in the Christmas spirit, we can get Taylor and Beyonce to share their earnings, too.”

Teri was applauding. “We’ll, I have this idea…” She waited while everyone groaned and laughed. “How about we make our fundraising appearance at the Rendezvous Thanksgiving week? Lots of people are in town, and we can play as many nights as Zoe can handle. It would all be for charity.”

Zoe laughed. “Better make it Christmas week, hun. Boomer will be here, and Christmas will give me a month to get my act together.”

Everyone agreed that it would give Robert time to work it out, too. They all liked naming Jessica’s Women’s Shelter and World Central Kitchen as the recipients would give everyone the chance to donate.

“I’ll talk to Robert and square that away,” Richard said. “He’s coming over for dinner this weekend.”

Bill Wiggins was smiling. “Uh, before I leave, can we agree to a Wildcats European tour starting in late Spring through the Summer?”

Everyone was nodding.

Wiggins went on. “While we have you out across the ocean, we’ll take some breaks for R&R. But the tour might end up being six months long compared to our three month summer tour. It’s whatever you want to do. I’m also kind of hoping for a new Wildcats album to promote. And you know, Lorne has given you guys the last Saturday before they all break for the Summer for Saturday Night Live. It’s always a big show. And you can introduce some new music.”

Everyone was smiling. Teri raised her hand. “Uh, I have an idea. I was thinking that Warner Bros. could put together a couple of European-sized vans that could travel on the tour with us, and when we perform, the two units could become a mobile recording studio. I was hoping for a live side for our second double album. And, well, maybe we can talk the EBR guys and their families into vacationing with us and recording, too. And maybe we could include the Flowers. Then, after we go home, Warners could leave the recording studio behind and sell it.”

Wiggins was smiling. “Great idea. But we wouldn’t sell it, we’d just put it in storage and use it again whenever we want.”

As Wiggins said his goodbyes and turned to walk out, Teri grabbed Lisa’s hand and followed Bill out to his SUV and his driver. “Uh, Mr. Wiggins?

He turned and smiled. “Teri, you need to call me Bill. Now what can I do for you ladies?”

Lisa started talking. “Do you know anything about a producer named Jack Dempsey?”

Wiggins nodded. “The producer up in New York who works at Electric Lady Studios? He’s younger than me, but a real old soul at heart. Gifted producer, a little quirky.”

Teri smiled. “He also sings and plays music, too. We’re kinda related to him.”

“Really? How so?”

“Our mom used a sperm bank for both of us. She’s a nurse and just couldn’t find worthy husband material. So she used his sperm samples twice. It’s been a big secret, but we kinda pulled down the walls.”

Wiggins smiled. “Yeah, good guy. Great producer. We wanted to hire him to our staff, but he’s independent. Kinda a round peg in a square hole. Everything he does is excellent, but he likes to be his own boss. Does he know about you two?”

After watching them shake their heads, Wiggins went on. “He’s a talented musician, but doesn’t play anywhere but clubs. He experiences severe stage fright in large crowds. Jack has no desire to perform or tour. Talented guy, but likes his freedom to pick and choose what he does. I can’t see any physical resemblance, but you're both clearly more gifted than he is. Are you going to tell him?”

Lisa shrugged. “Well, we need to test his DNA. Smith and I are going to start a family, and we need to tie up some loose ends for health purposes.”

“That’s good news for the two of you. Why doesn’t somebody approach him and mention the sperm bank, and there are recipients out there who have children who want his medical records?”

Lisa looked at Teri. “Jessica Jade is handling that. And now that we know he’s a good guy, we hope he’s saying okay.”

“Well, you’ll have to keep me updated and let me know if I can help.” He turned to Teri. “And when you’re ready, I can introduce you to a Broadway producer who could give you some insight on how a play is written and then adapted for the stage. It’s good to have that info in your pocket before you get too far along in developing your opera. But of course, if you plan on recording it like Green Day did and releasing it as an LP, we’ll be happy to handle it.”

Teri smiled. “Thanks. We were thinking about the Moody Blues and their album that included poetry. It was pretty trippy.”

“Teri, I am sure that anything you want to do is worth exploring. But you were smart, letting each of Beyoncé’s and Taylor’s producers wrangle this out. I’m sure it’s going to be great, but it would take up a lot of your time. You should get credit for bringing them both together for that great set they performed on Labor Day. We have a clean recording and a synchronized video of their performance.”

“Could you send me a copy for my collection? I’ve started collecting vinyl.”

“Of course, we can do that. And you do know that Warner’s has a vinyl collection in our vaults? They’re all original masters. We’ve acquired a number of smaller companies and inherited their catalogs as well. I’ll send you a list of what we have, and we can make a vinyl copy of whatever you want.”

“Can I share that offer with DJ Blank and Questlove? They would flip!”

“Our discography goes back to the sixties when we were recording blues bands and jazz. The list is long.”

“Are you sure I can poach?”

“Sure. But the company will bill you for pressing charges and the labor. But I know the production guys would get a big kick out of knowing who’s getting the discs. If you and Questlove were to fly out to LA and meet the vault and pressing guys, they’d be walking on air.”

“Do you offer this up frequently?”

“We make the offer, but there’s very few purists who want clean copies. I know Prince has everything we ever recorded. His collection must be worth a fortune. I wonder if his family knows what they’ve got down in that vault.”