by Harper Bliss
“I would love to, Mr. Porter,” Liz said. “It’s a real pleasure to be here.”
Jessica was pulled from her thoughts by Liz being overly formal. She looked around. While she and Liz had greeted her father and Christine, a group of people had formed around them. It was clear that most of them wanted to say hello to her father and stepmother.
“We’ll talk more later,” Jessica said. She pulled Liz aside.
Before she had a chance to step away, her father put a hand on Jessica’s shoulder and shot her the kind of joyful smile she wasn’t used to seeing on his face.
“How many marks out of ten for that?” Liz asked when they’d moved away. “For impressing your old man upon first meeting him?” She leaned in and whispered in Jessica’s ear. “For your information, I can now officially confirm that your stepmother has never availed of my services.”
A waiter waltzed by with a tray of champagne glasses. They each took one.
“Will you tell me when you see someone who has?” Jessica asked.
Liz painted a smile on her lips and shook her head. “No can do, and you know it.”
“Shall I bid on this?” Jessica asked. The auction was on its last legs and she had yet to make her first bid.
“A two-night stay at The Belgrave Spa and Resort in Katoomba, all expenses paid,” the auctioneer repeated. “After you’ve paid for them in advance, of course.” He paused. “Can I start the bidding at three thousand dollars? Any takers?”
Seven people raised their hands.
Jessica looked at Liz. “Do you want to go on a weekend getaway with me?”
“I most definitely do.”
Jessica joined the bidding. The price quickly went up to six thousand dollars, until it was just her and one last tenacious bidder left.
She craned her neck to check out her competition. “Who is that woman?” she said under her breath, not expecting an answer.
“A tough cookie with very deep pockets,” Liz said. “You may want to brace yourself for a real bidding war.”
Jessica’s eyes grew wide. “You know her?”
Liz nodded.
“Do we have six and a half?” the auctioneer said.
The woman raised her hand. Jessica quickly followed suit.
“You may also want to set yourself a top price you don’t want to go over before this gets out of hand,” Liz said.
Jessica shook her head. “No bloody way. My pockets are equally deep. I’ll show her.”
“Jess, I’ll take you on a weekend to Katoomba. It’s not worth this kind of money nor… competition,” Liz said.
“It is to me.” Jessica kept raising her hand.
“The Belgrave sure is popular,” the auctioneer joked. “But let’s remind ourselves that all proceeds of this auction go to Sydney Children’s Hospital,” he said. “Do we have a bid of ten thousand dollars?”
The woman raised her hand.
Liz put her hand on Jessica’s knee. “Let it go.” She raised her eyebrows.
“Going once,” the auctioneer said.
Jessica looked at Liz. What point was she trying to prove, anyway? That she had more money than this woman she believed had hired Liz’s services? What could that possibly accomplish?
The auctioneer looked straight at her. “Twice.” He tilted his head.
Jessica glanced in the direction of the woman who was about to outbid her. She was staring straight ahead of her, as though she had no eye for anyone else.
Liz squeezed her knee and whispered, “Just let it go.”
“Sold,” the auctioneer said. “The two-day getaway in Katoomba is going to Mrs. Robinson. Congratulations. Thank you on behalf of Sydney Children’s Hospital and enjoy.”
“I was just driving up the price,” Jessica said. “Doing my bit for charity.”
“You could just make a donation if it’s that important to you,” Liz said.
Jessica examined Liz’s face. She had to know. She leaned toward Liz and asked, “Is that Mrs. Robinson a client of yours? Is that why she was being so tenacious?”
“Don’t ask me that,” Liz replied, and by saying nothing she had just said everything.
“She’s probably jealous because I’m here with you,” Jessica continued.
“Jess, I’m serious,” Liz said. “You really have to let this go. Okay?” Her voice was firm.
Jessica nodded, but she couldn’t help throwing another glance at Mrs. Robinson. Jessica guessed she was in her early fifties. She’d need to ask her father what he knew about her.
Or, as Liz had suggested, she could just let it go.
They sat through another few bidding wars, none of which Jessica felt inclined to participate in, until the auction ended and the dancing started.
People got up from their seats and either danced or milled about to start conversations with acquaintances. Jessica’s father was in his element and she was glad he had this evening. She was, for the first time in a long while, happy for him.
Just as Liz had convinced Jessica to have a dance with her, and they were about to get up, Mrs. Robinson appeared next to their table.
Jessica was too flabbergasted to say anything.
“Congratulations,” Liz said, and extended her hand. “You drive a hard bargain.”
Mrs. Robinson took Liz’s hand in hers and held it for far too long according to the etiquette Jessica was raised with.
“You’re Edward’s daughter, aren’t you?” she asked Jessica. She finally let go of Liz’s hand but didn’t offer to shake Jessica’s. Mrs. Robinson probably believed Jessica had hired Liz for the night, as her plus one.
“Yes.” Jessica kept her tone clipped. She didn’t have it in her to be friendly to this woman. “Enjoy your stay in Katoomba. It’s beautiful there this time of year.”
“Oh, I know, dear.” She painted a wicked smile on her lips. “And I’m not the only one.” She shot Liz a quick wink and turned on her heels.
“Bloody hell,” Jessica said. “What was that?”
Liz came to stand in front of her and put her hands on Jessica’s shoulders. “Let’s dance,” she said.
“I’m not sure I know how to let this go,” Jessica said.
“It’s very simple,” Liz said and kissed her on the cheek. “Dance with me.”
“Dance with you?” Jessica arched up her eyebrows. “And that’s going to solve everything?”
“It won’t, but it will at least take your mind off things. Turn some heads. Make you feel some joy in here.” She touched her chest.
Jessica nodded and allowed Liz to lead her to the dance floor. This is the real test, she thought. There might be many more to come.
Then she looked at Liz who stood there waiting in her impeccable tux and with her warm, inviting smile, hand outstretched. There was no way Liz would ever look at the likes of Mrs. Robinson like that. This particular intensity in her glance was reserved solely for the woman Liz was obviously falling in love with.
For Jessica.
Jessica stepped into Liz’s embrace and Liz’s warm strength seeped into her as they slow-danced to an old song. Jessica didn’t remember the song title, but it must have been requested by her father because she remembered him playing it at home when she was younger.
“You understand me,” the lyrics went. “You’re you and that’s why I love you.”
Liz pulled her closer and Jessica melted into her embrace. She pushed the thought of Mrs. Robinson from her mind and concluded that if she wanted to pass the test, all she had to do was let go. Life was what it was. It certainly wasn’t a fairytale. Yet here Jessica was, dancing with her fairytale princess in a tuxedo.
Epilogue
“Darling.” Jessica’s father pulled her into a tight hug. “Congratulations.”
Liz stood next to her and she was next in line for a Daddy Porter hug. Jessica hadn’t told her father what Liz did for a living. She and Liz had discussed it, but when it came down to it, it wasn’t any of his business. And this art gallery t
hey’d opened together provided Liz with the perfect cover.
“Elizabeth,” Jessica’s father said, and threw his arms wide for Liz.
Jessica watched their embrace with a combination of delight and wonder. At least her father had shown some of his old personality when Jessica had told him she was quitting her job at ANBC. She had given him a few days to compose himself after delivering the news—a few days he had sorely needed. But compose himself, he had.
“Don’t let anyone else buy anything before I do,” Jessica’s father said. “I want to make the first official purchase.”
“You’d best start browsing straight away then,” Liz said.
“I’ll need you to give me a tour,” Jessica’s father said.
“Come on then.” Liz winked at Jessica and took her father by the arm.
Jessica watched them walk toward a painting together and wondered how her father would react if he found out that Liz worked for an escort agency. It was not unthinkable that he already knew. He could have had someone do a background check on Liz. But even if he knew, he hadn’t said anything. And he and Liz seemed to get on like a house on fire.
“Jess, hello.” Jessica was snapped out of her reverie by more guests arriving. It was Katherine and her gaggle of gays. Kisses and congratulations were exchanged, glasses of champagne distributed.
When most of the invitees had arrived, Katherine and Jessica stood chatting in a corner of the gallery, overlooking the crowd.
“It’s a real problem in our industry,” Katherine said.
“What is?” Jessica asked.
“Clients falling in love with escorts.” She looked at Jessica. “It comes with the territory of offering a lesbian experience, I guess.”
“Says the woman who gave me such a hard time about having feelings for the woman I’d hired.”
“I did so with good reason, Jess. Clients fall for us all the time. Things can get really tricky if it’s not mutual.”
Jessica chuckled. “So when you made that joke about the RSPCA being the closest thing to Grindr for lesbians, you actually meant to say escort agencies.”
“The RSPCA is cheaper though.”
“And you get a pet and a girlfriend at the same time.”
“Double whammy,” Katherine said.
“Remember when I asked you if a client had ever fallen for you?” Jessica found her friend’s glance.
Katherine nodded.
“How about the other way around? Have you ever fallen for a client?”
“What’s with all the questions? Don’t you have some guests to entertain?” Katherine smiled good-naturedly.
“Just curious, as it seems to be quite a common occurrence.”
Katherine shook her head. “I haven’t. I guess I’m more the kind of girl who looks for romance in other places.”
“How about art gallery openings?” Jessica asked.
“Sure,” Katherine said. They both let their gaze wander over the crowd. “Meanwhile, I’ll just keep on having my fun.”
“What’s your retirement dream?” Jessica asked. “Liz wanted to open an art gallery. Do you have something you’re saving for?”
“I might have,” Katherine said.
Jessica turned to her. “How long have I known you?” She put her hands on her hips. “You’ve never told me about your dream?”
“You never asked.”
“It never really occurred to me,” Jessica said. “Don’t keep me in suspense. What is it?”
“A coffee shop,” Katherine said. “Rocco and I have been talking about it for years. He believes in the black gold as much as I do. When I retire, that’s what I would like to do. Start our very own coffee shop.”
“Well then, please allow me to introduce you to two people who know all about coffee shops.” Jessica took Katherine by the hand and led her to where Kristin and Sheryl were standing.
“Your father bought two works,” Liz said.
Jessica rolled her eyes, even though she was grateful.
“He really doesn’t come across as the man you described to me when we first met.”
“That’s because he’s a different man. It only took me losing a breast to change him into a human being.” Jessica curved her arm around Liz’s waist. “What do you think? Successful opening?”
“Spectacular,” Liz said. “Art is big business and your father’s crowd knows it.” She smiled at Jessica. “I’m so glad we’ve been able to put your privilege to good use.”
Jessica snickered. “No more poor little rich girl for me. I’m owning it.”
Liz pressed her side against Jessica’s. “I’m really happy,” she said. “This is just… perfect.”
They overlooked the gallery, which was empty apart from a few people from the catering company cleaning up.
“I’m happy too,” Jessica said.
“I bet I can make you a tiny bit happier,” Liz said. “There’s something in my back pocket for you.”
A tingle rushed up Jessica’s spine. “For me?” She turned Liz around. She felt inside and found a small envelope.
“Open it,” Liz said.
Jessica tore at the flap, which was glued shut too tightly for her liking. When she managed to open it, she pulled out a card that said: The Belgrave Spa and Resort in Katoomba is delighted to invite you for a two-night stay.
A smile appeared on Jessica’s face.
“And guess what?” Liz folded her arms around Jessica’s neck. “It didn’t cost me ten grand.”
“Let’s hope Mrs. Robinson isn’t there at the same time,” Jessica said. “I don’t want you working when we’re there.”
Liz chuckled. “I never confirmed that so you can keep your assumptions to yourself.”
“How about when you retire. Will you be able to confirm some things to me then?”
“Nope. Some things I’ll have to take to my grave. Like how we met.”
“What are you talking about? We met at an art gallery. An artist we both like had a show. It was love at first sight. It made us want to start an art gallery together not long after. And here we are, six months later.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” Liz said. “But I’ll always know the truth.”
“So will I,” Jessica said. “The escort agency screwed up and there you were.”
“The perfect story for any dinner party.” Liz grinned.
“Yep.” Jessica nodded. “We can easily shock people with that for the rest of our lives.”
Liz leaned in and kissed her on the lips. “How about you take me home now? I’m not used to the kind of job where I have to be on my feet for so long.”
Jessica shook her head and suppressed a giggle. “Come on then.” She took Liz by the hand. “I’ll have you on your back in no time.”
* * *
THE END
Excerpt of More Than Words
Chapter One
Katherine
“This is the perfect location for a third Pink Bean,” Kristin says, standing in front of the large shop window. “I can picture it already.” She turns around to face Rocco and me and reaches out her hand. “And I’m very happy to be in business with both of you.” I let Rocco shake her hand first.
Just as I’m about to touch my palm against Kristin’s, my phone starts vibrating in the back pocket of my jeans. I sigh because I can so easily guess who it’s going to be—Alana, trying to convince me, once again, to reconsider quitting The Lesbian Experience.
“This is a job perfectly suited for working part-time,” she said yesterday, when I was silly enough to pick up. “Even one appointment per week would be good.”
“Do you have to get that?” Kristin asks and quickly lets go of my hand.
“Let me check.” I slip my phone out of my pocket. A picture of Liz appears on the screen. Relief washes over me and I pick up. Even though we used to be colleagues at the agency, I know she won’t try to convince me to take another client. She knows that once you’re done with being an escort, you�
�re done. That door has been closed once and for all.
“Hi Lizzie,” I greet my friend. We’ve gotten much closer now that we’re no longer co-workers—although we never actually, in the true sense of the word, collaborated.
“I’m in my old hood,” Liz says. “I thought I’d drop in.”
“Rocco and I are with Kristin at the venue for the new Pink Bean. Swing by here.” I give her the address. When I hang up, Rocco’s telling Kristin all about his interior design plans—again. His arm swoops through the air and his voice shines with enthusiasm. We’ve been talking about this for so long—although I’m not sure either one of us ever sincerely believed our dreams would come true. Then we met Kristin and everything started going really fast.
“Liz is stopping by,” I say when a silence falls in their conversation.
Rocco checks his watch. “Auntie Hera should be here soon as well.”
We make our way into the empty shop.
“If only we had a working coffee machine already,” Kristin says, a smile on her face.
“My aunt will have the renovations done in no time. She’s not one of those builders who say yes to a deadline only to push it back time and time again. I’m also her favorite nephew and she can’t pull that shit with me.” Rocco puts his hands on his hips.
“Family connections can work in your favor as well as against you,” Kristin says.
Ever since we started talking to her about a possible third Pink Bean branch, she’s been uttering words of advice like that. She doesn’t talk a mile a minute, but she’s been invaluable in helping us make our dream a reality. And as a silent partner she has invested enough money so that Rocco and I can devote all our energy to getting this off the ground as quickly as possible.
He waves her off. When they talk to each other, Rocco so flamboyant and Kristin so measured in her movements, the contrast always makes me smile. They’re so different, yet they seem to hit it off. Then again, Rocco is the kind of person who hits it off with almost everyone he meets. He wags a finger at her.