by Karen Legasy
“Hello, Tyler. I’m Hannah.” Hannah stopped him and extended her hand.
“Nice to meet you Hannah.” Tyler exchanged a quick shake.
“I’m so sorry,” Abigail said. “With everything going on, I seem to have lost my manners and forgot to introduce the two of you.”
“I would’ve expected you to be driving a ute.” Hannah studied his car.
“I’m not a tradie,” Tyler said.
“Aren’t you here to work on the grounds?” Hannah glanced at Abigail.
“He is,” Marlee said. “Our apartment building got flooded so we’ll be staying here for a bit.”
“Enough chatter for now,” Abigail said. “Let’s get the two of you settled inside.”
Tyler moved his car inside the garage and they brought their luggage into the house. Abigail led them from room to room, acting as though it was also Marlee’s first time in her home. They ended their ground floor tour in the kitchen.
“Help yourself to anything in the fridge,” Abigail said. “I want you to feel at home while you’re staying here.”
“She’s an amazing host,” Hannah said. “The fridge is always full and I love using her kitchen.”
“I wish I was into cooking. It seems like such a waste to have a kitchen like this when most nights I just make myself a simple meal like a grilled cheese sandwich or omelet.”
“I see you got a new toaster.” Hannah ran her fingers along the shiny stainless steel top. “A four-slicer. Nice.”
“Yes,” Abigail said. “I picked it up this morning for my guest…guests.”
“A new toaster. I love it.” Marlee beamed at Abigail until Tyler kicked her ankle.
“We should keep moving,” Abigail said. “I’ll take Tyler and Marlee upstairs to show them their rooms. Hannah, why don’t you go out to the pool? I’m sure Josh is waiting for someone to keep him company.”
Abigail brought Tyler to his room first. “You can put your things in here.”
“Wow, this is so big and my own bathroom too.” Tyler left his bag beside the bed and approached the window. “What a great view of the grounds. I’m pleased to see they’ve been well-managed and won’t need much maintenance from me.”
“What did you tell Hannah about us?” Marlee asked. “We need to make sure our stories are consistent.”
“I know,” Abigail said. “She was a bit surprised to see you. She’s very protective of me and was confused about you being here, especially since she knows I like my privacy. I’m glad you added the bit about the flooding.”
“We’ll have to be extra careful,” Marlee said. “She’ll be watching us.”
“What was that about the toaster?” Tyler asked. “You two looked like you were sharing some secret candy or something.”
Abigail laughed. “I bought it for Marlee. She’s been hoping for one.”
“It’s perfect.” Marlee put her hand on Abigail’s arm. “I love it. Thank you.”
“Instead of having toast, we should be making a toast to the happy couple.” Tyler held up an imaginary glass. “What is it about lesbians and toasters? You two are going to blow our cover with Hannah if you keep that up.”
“Hannah doesn’t see me as a lesbian,” Abigail said.
“Don’t kid yourself,” Tyler said. “With the way you’re drooling over each other, it won’t take her long to clue in.”
“We can’t have that,” Abigail said. “Let’s hurry up.”
“Yes.” Marlee picked up her backpack and looked at Tyler. “Shall we go for a swim and try to get to know Hannah?”
“Okay,” Tyler said. “I’ll change and see you down at the pool whenever you get there, but don’t take too long.”
“We’ll behave,” Marlee said. “See you in a few minutes.”
“Just a reminder that you’re supposed to be my gardener too,” Abigail said. “I don’t let any of the house staff swim in the pool. Play up the flood at your apartment and your friendship with Marlee.”
“Will do, boss.”
Abigail led Marlee to the bedroom next to hers. “You can leave your things here.” She moved closer and whispered. “We’ll move them into my room later.”
Marlee smiled, gave her a quick kiss, and then approached the bed with its navy duvet and lime-green pillows. “This is nice, like everything to do with your house. Especially you.” She dropped her bag and reached for Abigail. “I’m glad Hannah doesn’t know you’re a lesbian. I couldn’t stand the competition.”
Abigail stepped back, glancing toward the hall. “Sorry. Josh’s room is next to this one and he often pops up here. I don’t want him to see us.”
“Are you ashamed of me?”
“Of course not.” Abigail edged closer to Marlee, speaking in a low voice. “I don’t know how Josh is going to react when he finds out we’re sleeping together. He doesn’t need to know for now.”
“Why do you have such a problem admitting you’re a lesbian?” Marlee asked.
“This is all so new to me.” Abigail locked eyes with Marlee. “Please bear with me. I’m still having a hard time saying the word lesbian, let alone admitting to being one.”
“As long as we have this.” Marlee kissed her. “I can let you have all the time you need.”
“What are we going to do when it’s time for you to return to Canada?” Abigail asked. “I can’t bear letting you go.”
“Let’s not think about that for now.” Marlee put her head on Abigail’s shoulder. “Look how much has happened in the last few weeks. Who knows what’s to come?”
“That’s what scares me,” Abigail said. “I could lose everything.”
“You’re not going to lose this battle.” Marlee clasped Abigail’s arms. “I won’t let it happen. And I know you won’t either.”
“Sometimes things are out of our control.”
“Shhh. None of that.” Marlee kissed her then opened the door. “Now shoo. We’d better get a move on before people start to wonder. I’ll change into my suit and meet you at the pool.”
“Yes, it’s best that you kick me out before undressing.” Abigail winked. “We’ll have to keep Tyler between us otherwise I won’t be able to keep my eyes off you.” She blew a kiss, backed away, and closed the door.
Marlee flopped on the bed, her veins bubbling with disbelief at her good fortune. Abigail was now her lover. Nothing else mattered.
Chapter Twenty
Hannah and Abigail sat side by side on lounge chairs facing the pool, deep in conversation, when Marlee came down. Josh was demonstrating dive bombs into the water while Tyler perched on a floating chair. Marlee dropped her towel and leapt to create a big splash of her own.
“Here I come!” She hit the water, sank to the bottom, and then shot up to the surface with another spray. She’d opted for her one-piece suit, avoiding any embarrassing moments of losing her top or bottoms if she decided to play rough in the pool.
“Show off.” Tyler kicked water her way.
“I see you found a throne,” Marlee said. “How appropriate. Why don’t we play something?”
“Find a ball to toss around,” Tyler said.
“There’s one over here.” Josh got out of the pool and retrieved a water polo ball that had been lodged under one of the chairs. He threw it toward the middle of the pool then jumped back in with a big splash.
“Be careful,” Abigail said. “I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
“Oh, Mum. Chill, will you?”
“I don’t want to be soaked,” Hannah said.
“Oh, yeah.” Josh swam to the side of the pool and flicked water toward her.
“Argh!” Hannah jumped off her chair and rushed to the door. “I don’t have my suit on. You’ll get me all wet.”
Josh laughed. “So? You’ll dry.”
“Why don’t you get changed and join them in the water?” Abigail said.
“I may as well if I’m getting drenched anyway.” Hannah shrugged her shoulders. “I’ll be right back, but watch out mister. I’m go
ing to get you.”
“Just try.” Josh laughed.
“And what about you?” Marlee grabbed the edge of the pool and flashed a smile at Abigail. “Are you afraid of getting wet?”
“I’m already wet.” Abigail leaned forward and winked. “Your splash into the pool got me.”
“Are you playing or what?” Tyler hurled the ball against Marlee’s back.
“Ouch.” Marlee swung around and grabbed it. “Here, Josh, let’s see if you can catch this.” She tossed the ball into the air and down the lap lane.
“Go play with the boys,” Abigail said. “Have some fun.”
“I am having fun. Aren’t you going to join us?”
“No, although I’d like to.” Abigail rubbed her forehead. “I have work to do. Hannah asked me to review and approve a study related to genome editing so her team can move forward with one of their trials.”
“Where’s your suit, Tay?” Hannah dropped her towel on a chair. She wore a skimpy two-piece that highlighted a tanned and toned body. Her long ponytail was curled up into a bun.
“Unfortunately my suit’s buried under a research report I have to look at.” Abigail stood up.
“Oh Tay, you can look at it tonight.” Hannah eased into the water. “Have a few minutes of fun while you can.”
“Maybe later. I’ll see.” Abigail went inside.
“Hey, Joshy, throw the ball over here.” Hannah swam to the centre of the pool.
“What are we playing?” Marlee joined the others, studying Hannah’s attractive features and toned body. She wondered why Abigail had chosen her instead.
“Let’s play water polo,” Josh said. “Two against two.”
“I choose Joshy,” Hannah said. “He’s the best.”
“We only have one net,” Josh said, “so whoever gets the ball in scores a goal for their team.” He got out of the pool. “I’ll set it up over here.”
“I’ll play from my chair,” Tyler said.
“Tay told me about your broken ribs,” Hannah said. “How are you feeling?”
“Okay as long as I don’t move too much.”
“I thought you were supposed to be doing some work around the grounds. Won’t that be too difficult right now?”
“I’m going to do the heavy lifting,” Marlee said.
“I can’t believe I haven’t met the two of you before.” Hannah treaded water. “You both seem so relaxed here. Who lets their gardener play with their kid in their pool?”
“I’m not her gardener,” Tyler said.
“Then who are you?” She lowered her sunglasses.
“He’s my friend.” Marlee gripped Tyler’s chair, but tried to sound charming. “Our place got flooded. Abigail has been so good looking out for me ever since the rescue. I can’t thank her enough.”
“So the two of you live together?” Hannah raised her chin.
“Sort of,” Marlee said.
“Did you know each other when you were in Canada?” Hannah straightened her sunglasses.
“No,” Marlee said. “It was kind of a coincidence we hooked up. We both needed short-term rental and that’s how we met. It’s worked out well, until the flood, of course.”
“Where do you live?” Hannah kicked in the water.
“Down by the beach,” Marlee said.
“Which beach? We have a lot of beaches around Sydney.”
“We’re closest to Manly.”
“Ready?” Josh jumped back into the pool. Marlee grabbed the ball and threw it into the net.
“Yay,” Tyler said. “We got the first goal.”
“That doesn’t count,” Josh said. “The game hasn’t even started yet so it’s not fair.”
“Why not?” Marlee smiled. “I have an injured player so how’s that fair?”
“Life’s not fair.” Hannah retrieved the ball and threw it back into the net. “Score. There Josh, we tied it up and they’re going to lose big-time.”
They spent the next hour thrashing through the water and fighting for the ball. Marlee was proud she was able to keep the score fairly even. Tyler hung out in front of the net and waved his hands when the ball got close, but Marlee was mostly on her own.
Hannah was very competitive and wouldn’t let up, even after Josh complained she wasn’t passing the ball. Marlee and Hannah thrashed through the water in a battle to control the ball. Splashes, grunts, and gasps followed the opponents through the waves. It became a game between the two women that abruptly ended when Abigail got into the pool.
“Don’t let me stop you.” Abigail floated on her chest. “I just want to watch.”
Marlee drifted toward Abigail. “Why don’t you join me? I’ve been playing by myself.”
“Let’s call it a game.” Hannah kicked her legs, reaching Abigail before Marlee. “I’ve had enough. We won, Josh. Ten to eight.”
“Sounds like a good game.” Abigail lowered her legs and bobbed.
“It was great,” Marlee said, “but more like two to one. I didn’t get much help from my teammate.”
“I’m glad you decided to join us, Tay.” Hannah rubbed Abigail’s arm. “You’re looking more relaxed than you have in a while. Has something good happened that I don’t know about?”
“No.” Abigail coughed.
“I’m hungry,” Josh said.
“I have some sausages in the fridge,” Abigail said, “but they need to be grilled.”
“Tyler can do that,” Marlee said. “He’s good with a barbecue, or barby, as you Aussies call it.”
“That would be nice.” Abigail started a front crawl. “I’ll get them ready.”
“I’ll help you.” Hannah followed.
“I’m getting changed,” Josh said. “The pool’s all yours.”
Marlee and Tyler stayed in the water while the others went inside.
“You have to be more careful around Abigail,” Tyler said. “I couldn’t believe the way you were flirting with her at the side of the pool.”
“I can’t help myself,” Marlee said.
“You needed a good slap to bring you back to reality.” He laughed.
“Why don’t we act as though we’re a couple? Hannah thinks we live together anyway.”
“Don’t kid yourself.” Tyler slid off his chair into the water. “I saw her looking you up and down. You scream dyke and I’m not exactly a bundle of masculinity. Flat mates would be more like it. She was sizing you up. Don’t be surprised if she hits on you.”
“Don’t scare me. Besides, I didn’t feel any vibes from her.” Marlee got out of the pool.
“Maybe she wasn’t interested.” Tyler laughed as he followed Marlee out of the pool to get ready for lunch.
Chapter Twenty-One
The water polo ball drifted in the pool while food was served. Playtime over, it was down to the serious business of adorning buns with condiments and coleslaw for barbecued pork or vegetarian sausages.
“Who’s ready for a snag?” Tyler stood at the grill, shuffling a mound of white onion slices on the heat so they didn’t burn.
“I’m ready for two.” Josh hovered beside Tyler and held out his plate. “And make sure they’re meat.”
“None of that vegetarian crap for you?” Tyler laughed.
“Hey.” Hannah barged over. “The vegetarian ones are the best. That’s all Tay and I eat when it comes to snags.”
“I wondered who ate them.” Tyler put one on her plate. “Where’s your bun?”
“I’m not having a bun,” Hannah said. “I’ll take a second snag to go with my slaw, but no onions.”
“Sure thing.” Tyler placed another on her plate.
“Thanks heaps. You’re good with the barby. Have you ever worked in a restaurant?”
“Nope. Can’t say I have. Who’s next?”
“I’ll try one of each on my bun and some onions too please.” Marlee bumped into Hannah as she held out her plate. “Whoops, sorry.”
“No worries.” Hannah moved to the table. “I have to lea
ve soon and pop by the office to do a few things this arvo.”
“Oh?” Abigail asked. “What things?”
“I promised my team I’d look at some data this weekend. Since I asked you to review work, I’d better do some of my own.”
“What data is that?” Abigail held out her plate to Tyler. “I’ll just have one vegetarian please.”
“It’s from one of our small trials on gene editing for leukemia.” Hannah chewed as she spoke.
“I’m sure it can wait until Monday.”
“I won’t be available Monday. Remember? I’m going to the office in Canberra for a few days.”
“I thought that was next week.” Abigail sighed as she sat at the patio table. “It means I’m behind more than I thought. Maybe I should go into the office too.”
“I think you should stay here and enjoy your time with Josh and your house guests,” Hannah said. “I hope you don’t mind if I finish eating on my way out. It was nice meeting you both. I hope we’ll see each other again.” She leaned over and pecked Abigail on the cheek. “Ta, Tay.”
“Let’s touch base in the morning,” Abigail said. “We should go over a few things before you head to Canberra.”
“Sure. See you later Joshy.” Hannah waved as she disappeared into the house.
“Maybe she didn’t like my grilling,” Tyler said.
“Hannah’s like that,” Abigail said. “When she decides to do something, she gets on it right away. That’s why she’s such a good leader on my team.”
“I’m going to finish eating in my room,” Josh said.
“In your room?” Abigail said. “Why don’t you stay with us until you finish your food?”
“I want my computer. See you.” He went inside.
“Poor Josh.” Abigail wiped her mouth with a napkin. “I’ve hardly seen him lately, but right now I’m glad the three of us have a chance to talk. We have to tell Hannah what we’re doing.”
“Why?” Marlee stopped chewing. “She doesn’t need to know.”
“She knows something’s up,” Abigail said. “We talked a bit in the kitchen. I told her you’re a police officer.”
Marlee’s throat tightened. “What else does she know?”
“That’s all I told her for now,” Abigail said. “She’s worried about me and doesn’t understand why the two of you are here. I can’t blame her. I promised to tell her what’s going on. I want to do it tomorrow.”