Rearview Mirror

by B L Clark

  “Thanks. Good to see you, too.”

  Amber waited for the door to close behind Zach before kissing Nicole and pulling her close.

  “I love you. This is your place, as well as mine, as far as I’m concerned. Do as you want. I’ll be home as soon as I can. Text me and let me know how you’re doing. We’ll go out tonight and I’ll show you around. If you need anything, Mrs. Phelps is just downstairs. She’ll talk your ear off, but she’s the sweetest little old lady.”

  “I love you, too,” Nicole said, enjoying the closeness with Amber. “I’m just going to work on my programs if you’ll give me your Wi-Fi password.”

  “Oh, yeah…um…it’s my Nicole. Spelled M-y-N-1-c-0-l-e…” Amber said, blushing as she looked down.

  Nicole tried as hard as she could, but she couldn’t help but laugh. “Really?”

  “I told you in Eagle Peak, you were always on my mind no matter how long I was gone or how far apart we were.” Amber smiled as Nicole realized how true that was.

  “I love you. You better go before Zach leaves you here.”

  “I love you, too. I’ll call you on my lunch break. Text me when you want.”

  With that, they kissed again, and Amber headed out. Nicole stood in the kitchen dumbfounded that what she had believed of Amber was not true at all. She really had been in her thoughts over the years.

  “So…” Zach said as they headed off to work.

  “What?” Amber asked.

  “Start talking. What is she doing here?”

  “She missed me…she didn’t like being away from me.”

  “Did you know she was coming?”

  “Hell no. I had no clue. I, however, am not going to complain, either. I need her here or with me. I’ve always needed that.”

  “Happiness agrees with you. So, what are you going to do now? Are you going to ask her to give up her life in Eagle Peak?”

  “We have a lot to talk about. I only know that I’m happy she’s here and that I can’t wait for today to be over with.”

  “I’m happy for you then,” Zach said.

  Once they arrived at work, Amber spoke to her supervisor and Lucinda and got approval for Nicole to shadow her the next day.

  After Amber left, Nicole logged in to her computer, then called Jill.

  “Hello?”

  “Hey, Jill,” Nicole said.

  “Nicole! What’s up?”

  “Not much. Amber left for work a few minutes ago, so before I started working, I thought I would call and touch base.”

  “I still can’t believe you just jumped on a plane and flew to New York City without telling any of us.”

  “Well, I missed her and couldn’t handle the idea of living without her.”

  “I know, I know. So, what are you going to do while she’s at work?” Jill asked.

  “I have some work to do, and once she gets home, she said she’d show me around. Oh, I got to meet the little old lady from downstairs. She’s so sweet. She whispered that Amber really loves me when she hugged me last night.”

  “Aww, so Amber told her about you?”

  “Apparently, she meant it when she said she thought about us over the years,” Nicole said, her voice cracking a little.

  “Hey, you’re there with her. No need for the voice crack.”

  “I know. This may sound stupid, but she gave me her Wi-Fi password, and it’s just too damn cute.”

  “Oookay…explain,” Jill said, skeptical.

  “Her password is my Nicole.”

  “You don’t think she set that since she was here?”

  “She was home twenty-four hours before I got here. I don’t think changing the password was a high priority for her.”

  “Yeah, good point.”

  “I’m going to get some work done. I’ll touch base with you guys in a few days, okay?”

  “Okay. We love and miss you.”

  “I love and miss you guys, too.”

  After they finished their goodbyes, Nicole connected her phone to the charger and sat on the pillows next to the window to work.

  Nicole had worked for a few hours when she heard a soft knock at the door. She set her computer aside and moved to the door. Nicole opened the door to see Mrs. Phelps.

  “Hello, Nicole,” Mrs. Phelps said.

  “Hello, Mrs. Phelps.” Nicole smiled at her. “Amber is at work today.”

  “Oh, I know, dear. I heard her and that nice boy Zach leave. I wanted to talk to you. Is now okay?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Good. Would you like to come downstairs? I can make us some tea and cookies.”

  Nicole followed her downstairs. They entered the apartment, and Nicole was instructed to keep the door open so Mrs. Phelps could hear the mailman. The two sat at a little table in what appeared to be a breakfast nook.

  “You sit, dear, and I’ll get the tea,” Mrs. Phelps said.

  “I can help if you need it,” Nicole offered.

  “No, dear, you sit. I’ve been getting tea in this house for sixty-five years. It used to be my parents’ house.”

  “It’s a beautiful house. Amber told me that she lived here for most of the time she’s been in New York. I’m so grateful you and your husband have been here for her.”

  “Oh, she’s such a lovely girl.”

  Mrs. Phelps asked Nicole several questions about her life and her intentions with Amber. She asked how strong Nicole felt their love was. Nicole said she felt it was stronger than it had been when they were younger. Mrs. Phelps explained that they were more mature and knew what they wanted and what they were willing to sacrifice to get what they desired.

  “Have you talked with Amber here before?” Nicole looked around. She felt as if she were enveloped in a large hug being with Mrs. Phelps.

  “She and I have had so many talks at this table. She has told me a lot about you.”

  “She has?” Nicole said, surprised.

  “Did you think that after she left you, she forgot about you?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Nicole lowered her head.

  “Well, she didn’t. She told me all about you, and let me see, Jill, Erik, and Heather. Did I get it correct?”

  “Yes. I’m still learning a lot of things that she never let us in on growing up.”

  “Give her time. She’ll tell you all she can.” Mrs. Phelps covered Nicole’s hand with her own.

  “She may even tell you what she can’t handle, either,” Amber said, smiling from the doorway.

  “Amber,” Nicole squeaked.

  “Hi, sweetie.” Amber entered and kissed the side of each woman’s head. “What have you been up to, Mrs. Phelps?”

  “I’m just trying to get to know the woman who holds your heart. I think she’s lovelier than you described. What are you doing home? What happened to your arm, dear?” Mrs. Phelps noticed the sling again.

  “I came home to have lunch with Nicole, and my arm…” Amber let out a deep sigh before continuing. “My brother is what happened. I’ll be okay. I have a broken shoulder and collarbone, as well as a surgical incision from where he shot me.”

  Nicole’s eyes filled with sorrow as she saw the pain in both women’s faces.

  “Oh, dear sweet Amber. Whatever you need, Max and I are here for you.”

  “You both have always been here for me. I’m so grateful. Would you be upset if I borrowed your tea buddy for a little bit?”

  “You two go enjoy your lunch. Nicole, when she leaves, if you feel like coming back down, you’re more than welcome.”

  “Thank you for the tea and for helping me to learn more about the woman I love.” Nicole hugged Mrs. Phelps before Amber took her hand and led her upstairs.

  Nicole and Amber entered the apartment, and Amber pulled Nicole over to the couch.

  “Hi,” Amber said, smiling at Nicole as she pulled her onto her lap.

  “Hey, gorgeous.”

  The two leaned together into a soft kiss. The kiss lasted for several minutes before they broke
apart.

  “So, you were getting to know my landlady, huh?” Amber gave Nicole a lopsided smile.

  “Well, you know I was trying to get you some added perks.”

  “Don’t let Max hear you say that.” Amber laughed. “He has a thing for blondes and redheads.”

  “I think you need to move.”

  “Yeah, not going to happen, my love. Being close to Max and Edna is what has kept me going for years.”

  “She’s a really nice lady. I didn’t meet Max.”

  “You will. How has your day been?”

  “Good. I got my programs done and then Mrs. Phelps came up, and we had tea, and I got to know another side of you. I couldn’t love you more, though.”

  “I love you, too, sweetie.” Amber kissed Nicole.

  “Are you ready for lunch?” Nicole stood and pulled Amber toward the kitchen.

  “Yep.”

  The two made buttered rice and frozen veggies for lunch. Amber hadn’t had time to shop for groceries since her return from Eagle Peak. She was grateful that Zach had cleaned up her refrigerator for her while she was gone. She could just imagine the food that had expired.

  After eating lunch, Amber had to head back to work, but she told Nicole that they would go out to shop for food, and she would show her around after she got home.

  Amber arrived back at work with minutes to spare. She punched in and quickly got a new canvas for the painting she was starting. She hated doing the fluff pieces, but they did still help her hone her skills, and she understood that with her arm in a sling it was the best solution.

  “Zach, thanks for offering to let me borrow your car at lunch.” Amber handed him his keys. “I ended up taking a cab, it was easier than trying to drive one handed.

  “My pleasure. Was Nicole surprised?”

  “Yeah, she was. I found her having tea with Mrs. Phelps.”

  “You better keep an eye on her…you know Mr. Phelps likes redheads more than blondes.”

  “Oh, I know. I think Mrs. Phelps can keep him in check after fifty-plus years together.”

  “True. So, what are you two doing tonight?”

  “Grocery shopping and then I thought I’d show her around a bit.”

  “Are you going to the club?” Zach asked.

  “No, not tonight. I want a couple of weeks with her before I subject her to that.” Amber laughed.

  The rest of the afternoon dragged on while Amber waited to go home. Once the day was done, Zach dropped her off and said he would pick them up in the morning. Amber thanked him and made her way upstairs. She entered the apartment and smelled the aroma of fresh garlic bread, spaghetti, and meatballs.

  “Mmm, it smells amazing in here,” Amber said as she made her way into the kitchen.

  “I’m glad you like it. Max and Edna showed me a store nearby so I could make you a nice dinner.”

  “You’re the best.” Amber placed a sensual kiss on Nicole’s lips before sticking her finger in the sauce and teasingly licking it off.

  “Oh, god…That was not nice.” Nicole felt a surge of desire threaten to overtake her.

  “My bad.” Amber laughed before she took ahold of Nicole’s hand and dipped a single finger into the sauce and did the same with one of her own fingers. Amber then took Nicole’s finger in her mouth and sucked on it as she allowed Nicole to do the same with hers. Both women let out a loud moan, and their eyes glossed over. “Yeah, that was my bad, too…very bad.”

  Nicole just stood there gripping the side of the counter, trying to kick-start her brain back into functioning.

  “You keep that up, and we aren’t leaving the house tonight,” Nicole warned once she regained her composure.

  “You like it when I’m playful.” Amber wrapped her arm around Nicole’s waist and rested her chin on Nicole’s shoulder.

  “Yes, I do. I did get some stuff, so we technically don’t need to leave tonight, either.” Nicole turned in Amber’s arm and wrapped her own arms around Amber’s neck.

  “Mmm, dinner and a night of lovemaking sound appealing to me.” Amber growled into Nicole’s ear.

  “How soundproof is this place?”

  “Max and Edna never heard my nightmares, and I know Zach said I was good at screaming in those.”

  “Well, let’s eat and test it with screams of pleasure.”

  “Dear god, yes,” Amber said before hungrily capturing Nicole’s lips.

  They ate dinner and cleaned up before heading to the bathroom for a couple’s bath and night of passion.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Art and Therapy

  Morning arrived earlier than Nicole or Amber realized it would. They had spent most of the night and early morning hours lost in each other. Amber showered and allowed Nicole to sleep in a little longer. Once she was ready for work, she woke Nicole and told her to shower while she started coffee and breakfast.

  “Amber? What should I wear today?” Nicole entered the kitchen wrapped in a towel.

  “I…er…yummy.” Amber growled.

  “Focus.” Nicole laughed.

  “Oh, I’m plenty focused.” Amber pulled Nicole closer and kissed her deeply. “Just wear a nice pair of jeans and a nice shirt. If you need one, I have one that will fit you.”

  “Thank you.”

  Nicole headed back to the bedroom to get dressed. While she was gone, Amber finished making breakfast. After eating, the two sat on the couch kissing until Zach arrived to take them to work.

  “Amber, who do you have visiting today?” Lucinda asked as she walked up to Amber’s station.

  “Lucinda, this is my girlfriend, Nicole. Nicole, this is Lucinda Baer, the gallery curator.”

  “It’s really nice to meet you,” Nicole said, smiling and extending her hand.

  “It’s nice to meet you, as well. The photograph of you that Amber has in her collection is one of my favorites. I must say that you have great taste, Amber. I believe she’s more beautiful now than she was when you took that picture.”

  “It’s all Amber’s talent making the picture look good.” Nicole blushed.

  “No, sweetie, you are more beautiful now,” Amber said with pride.

  “Well, Amber, I’ll let you get to work. Would you mind if I borrowed Nicole for a little bit?”

  “No. Is that okay with you, Nic?”

  “That’s perfectly fine,” Nicole said, nerves taking hold of her.

  “Great. I promise not to keep her too long.” Lucinda led Nicole out of the replicating area.

  Amber glanced in Zach’s direction, receiving a supportive smile from him.

  Nicole followed Lucinda through the gallery and up to her office. Nicole was surprised at the elegance of the gallery. She loved the rich woods and warm feeling. As they entered the office area, Nicole noticed that the colors and feeling continued.

  “Hold my calls,” Lucinda said as they passed her assistant’s desk and entered her office. “Have a seat, please.”

  “Thank you.” Nicole sat in the chair across from Lucinda.

  “Relax, Nicole. I just wanted to see how Amber’s really doing. I know she’s good at putting up a front. I’ve watched her do it for years.”

  “You care about her a lot, don’t you?”

  “Yes. Ever since the day I offered her a job with us, I’ve kept an eye on her and done what I could to help her grow and succeed.”

  “If you don’t mind me asking, why?”

  “There was a look in her eyes that made me want to protect her. She looked so lost and listless. It didn’t hurt that she has a wicked amount of talent.”

  “She always has,” Nicole said, beaming with pride.

  “How long have you two known each other?”

  “We’ve been friends since we were five. As for knowing each other, well, I’m learning that there’s more to Amber than any of us knew.”

  “Zach told me about some of it. I won’t pry, but I want you to know that if Amber needs anything, I’m here to make sure she gets it.” />
  “I appreciate that, and I know she does, as well. I know your faith in her and putting her in the art show has done amazing things for her confidence. She beams whenever she talks about it. I think she’s a bit nervous, though,” Nicole said.

  “She’s talented and has earned it. Did you get to see the pieces that are going in the show?”

  “She showed me the proof.”

  “Well, that won’t do. Follow me.” Lucinda led Nicole into the warehouse section of the gallery. They went into a secure, locked area, and Lucinda flipped on the lights. “Here’s the layout I’ve been playing with.”

  Nicole stood in awe of the artwork in front of her. There was a large black and white picture of her surrounded by pictures of Heather and Erik, as well as paintings that Amber had created.

  “Wow,” Nicole whispered. “You’re right. The proofs did not do her work justice.”

  “Have you seen any of her work?”

  “She has a few pieces up in her apartment, but I’ve only been in town for two days.”

  “Well, if she doesn’t show you her work by the end of the week, let me know and I will.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I just wanted a chance to talk with you. Thank you for allowing me that. I’ll take you back to Amber now,” Lucinda said as they left the secure area.

  “Thank you for taking the time to talk with me and for looking out for Amber over the years.”

  “It’s been my pleasure. I’ve seen her smile more in the past couple of days than I ever have. Even though she was sad Monday, I could still see a glow in her. You’ve done something for her that nobody else can. Please, don’t break her heart.”

  “I have no intention.” Nicole smiled as they entered the replication room, and she saw Amber look up and smile in their direction.

  While Nicole was off with Lucinda, Amber received a call back from her therapist, Dr. Dyer, asking her to come in after work for a session. Amber agreed, although she wasn’t happy about it. Amber wanted time to reconnect with Nicole and for them to grow together, even to discuss a future together. She knew that going to see Dr. Dyer was needed, though.