Rearview Mirror

by B L Clark

  “I’m a physical therapist, too,” Trina told Nicole as she looked unsure about why Trina had medical-grade books.

  “More accurately, she’s a licensed and registered pain and torture therapist. I tweaked my knee when I started kickboxing, and she helped me with the rehab.”

  “Have you had issues with that knee since?” Trina received a laugh and shake of the head from Amber.

  “Will you help me, oh, great one?” Amber teased.

  “You know I will. And I still owe you. Amber helped me deal with things when my parents and brother were injured in a boating accident,” Trina explained to Nicole. “Are you interested in learning to kickbox?”

  “Me? Well, me and coordination aren’t on speaking terms. I don’t think I would be very good at it,” Nicole said.

  “Amber had the same issue. She turned out to be one of my best students. Please, let me work with you both. I owe her so much.”

  “We’d love it, Trina,” Amber said before hugging her.

  “Great! I look forward to working with you two. Nicole, we’ll start easy, I promise. Amber will also be able to do a lot of what we’re going to be starting with, so you should hopefully feel less overwhelmed.”

  “Thank you,” Nicole said.

  The three exited the office, and Amber showed Nicole around the gym and let her try a few pieces of equipment Amber preferred for her workouts. Trina went back to training the women she had been working with when they arrived.

  After doing their rounds in the gym, Nicole and Amber changed out of their workout attire and walked home.

  “That place is really nice,” Nicole said as they walked up the stairs to the flat.

  “Yeah, I really enjoy it. Trina is a great trainer.”

  “Does she own the gym?”

  “No, she just works there. I know she’d love to have her own gym someday, but until then, she’ll work there. The owners pretty much let her run it as her own anyway.”

  “That sounds like a great deal. Care to shower with me?” Nicole asked seductively.

  “Mmm, that sounds like an offer I can’t refuse.” Amber started to remove her clothes and head into the bathroom. Nicole followed closely behind, removing her clothing, as well.

  Amber and Nicole met with Lucinda regarding the artist dinner. Lucinda helped them with what to wear both nights and what to expect. Amber was more than grateful for Lucinda taking the time to go over everything with them. Nicole had confided in Lucinda that she and Zach were going to surprise Amber with their friends from back home. Lucinda was glad Nicole had told her what they had planned. She had seen that Amber was really upset about being told that her friends couldn’t make it.

  “So, tomorrow night, I’ll have a car pick you two up and take you to the restaurant,” Lucinda started.

  “That’s too much,” Amber interrupted. “You really don’t have to do that.”

  “It’s standard for all the artists we put into the shows. Now the car will pick you up and take you to the restaurant and then take you home. I’ll have the same driver pick you up the following night and take you to and from the gallery. You’ll have to be here about two hours early. I’m sorry, Nicole, that may be a very boring time for you. In the past, the dates of the artists have brought books to read or even handheld video games. I recommend bringing something to keep yourself entertained,” Lucinda said.

  “Thank you for the heads-up. I have a book on my phone I’ve wanted to read, so I’ll be sure to have my phone charged and everything ready to entertain myself.”

  “What will I be doing?” Amber asked.

  “Well, for the first hour, you and I will be going over the art you have in the show and what you’re planning to or should say about each piece. Then you and I will go over what you want the art priced at.”

  “Priced?”

  “Yes, the art will be for sale,” Lucinda said.

  “I forgot that part,” Amber said sheepishly.

  “Amber, I’ve been a curator for a long time, and you need to trust and believe me when I tell you that you’re an amazing artist, and you’re going to sell several pieces. I’ve seen the other art that will be in the show, and you are one of the most talented.”

  “Shouldn’t you have already gone over the prices and what Amber is going to say? How did you see the other art?” Nicole asked.

  “Amber and I have gone over it, but I want to make sure we’re all set on what she’s going to say. As for the prices, I have my ideas, and I’ve found the artists are too nervous about the show to argue with the pricing structure if we go over it just before. And one of the perks to being the hosting gallery is I get to see the art so we can put the pieces up in a cohesive order. We don’t want to set someone with an abstract art exhibit next to someone with early Renaissance-era art. It wouldn’t flow properly and would be a disservice to both artists. That’s also the reason I love hosting these things.”

  “Sneaky, Ms. Baer, very sneaky.” Amber laughed.

  They continued to go over what to expect. Lucinda had given Amber the day before, the day of, and the two days after the show off with pay. She knew the physical and emotional toll the show took on an artist, not to mention the added circumstances that played into Amber’s anxiety and stress. Lucinda had gotten to know Nicole since she had arrived, and she was pleased with the happiness she brought Amber and the calming way she had with her.

  After meeting with Lucinda, Nicole and Amber found dresses, shoes, and jewelry to wear both nights. Amber and Nicole each bought the other a necklace to go with their dresses. They laughed when they got home and opened the other’s gift. They had chosen the same necklace.

  “Well, we know we both have good taste.” Amber laughed.

  “That we do. I have one other thing for you, baby.” Nicole pulled an item out of the nightstand.

  “Nicole, the necklace was enough,” Amber started before Nicole put a single finger over her mouth.

  “This isn’t from me, per se. Your mom wanted me to give this to you when we were together again. I was trying to come up with an appropriate time to give it to you, but, well, she wanted you to have this.”

  Nicole opened the box to reveal a Claddagh ring. Amber recognized the ring instantly.

  “Nic?”

  “Your Mom said this has been in your family since the mid-eighteen hundreds. It’s something passed down from mother to daughter, she said. I can’t wait to see how well it will look on you and with the dresses you’re wearing.”

  “Is this why you insisted on that one dress for tomorrow night?” Amber asked.

  “No, it isn’t. I suggested the dress because it hugs in the right spots, and you look absolutely amazing in it. The ring is going to highlight your eyes. Did you notice how the blue of the stone matches the blue of your eyes? I told your mom that when she first showed me the ring. She said blue eyes were a trait of the women of your family. Well, the women on her side, that is. It wasn’t until then that I noticed that you and your mom have the same color eyes. She said all the women of your family have that shade of eye color.”

  “I never thought about the fact that Mom and Grandma had the same color eyes.” Amber got up and grabbed a picture of them. She noticed then that they did indeed have the same shade of blue eyes as she had. She felt a sense of pride in it. She had something to hold on to with her family heritage.

  The two women made dinner together and decided to turn in early. Once they were in bed, Amber had some extra nervous energy, and Nicole offered to help her burn some of that energy off.

  With two hours before the car was supposed to arrive to take them to dinner, Nicole and Amber started to get ready. They had spent the day pampering themselves. They started with sleeping in, then they bathed in calming lavender bath salts, then washed each other’s hair. Amber decided that they needed to have mani-pedis, so she asked Zach to go out on his lunch break to get the supplies they needed. Amber had the hardest time giving Nicole her pedicure since her feet were except
ionally ticklish. Once they finished, Mrs. Phelps came up and did their hair. She had insisted as she had been a hairstylist for many years, and she loved Amber as a daughter. Once they finished their hair, they had just enough time to get dressed without feeling rushed. Nicole was in the living room waiting for Amber when she heard a knock at the door.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Phelps?” Nicole said as she opened the door.

  “Nicole, dear, you look incredible. We know you’re leaving soon, but we wanted to get pictures of you two before you leave,” Mrs. Phelps said. “Is Amber ready?”

  “Not yet,” Nicole said. “She should be out soon, though.”

  “Let me help you with that.” Mr. Phelps took the necklace from her and helped her put it on. “You are stunning. You and Amber are so special to us. Thank you for making her so happy.”

  “She’s my life,” Nicole said, hugging him before they turned to see Mrs. Phelps coming out with Amber following.

  “Amber, I’m coming in,” Mrs. Phelps said as she knocked on the door.

  Mrs. Phelps entered to see Amber standing there in a blue knee-length dress that matched her eyes. The dress fit as Nicole had said. It hugged her in all the right spots, accentuating her curves. She could see that in the mirror, but she was unsure if it was the right thing to wear.

  “Do I look okay?”

  “You are stunning, my dear.” Mrs. Phelps made her way over to Amber and zipped the dress the last inch. “This dress matches your eyes. I thought Nicole said earlier that you were wearing a black dress tonight.”

  “That’s what I led her to believe. I had the store swap the black dress out for this one to surprise her,” Amber said, smiling into the mirror.

  “You’re going to take her breath away.”

  “That’s the plan.” Amber handed her necklace to Mrs. Phelps, who helped her put it on. Amber then grabbed the ring her mother had given her and slipped it on her right hand. She looked at herself in the mirror one last time before turning to face Mrs. Phelps.

  “I’m so proud of you. Let’s go show you off.”

  The two women exited the bedroom. Mrs. Phelps led them into the living room where she saw her husband and Nicole turning to face them. She heard the two gasp when Amber came around the corner. It was the reaction she had expected. She knew Amber was a beautiful woman, but the outfit she was wearing showed off her true beauty.

  “Amber,” Nicole said breathlessly as her gaze roamed the gorgeous woman standing before her from head to toe.

  “You are ravishing,” Mr. Phelps said as he wrapped an arm around his wife.

  Amber felt very much on display and started to blush and move uncomfortably. Nicole quickly closed the distance between them and cupped Amber’s face in her hands.

  “You are beyond beautiful. Where did this dress come from?” Nicole said.

  “I had the store swap it out when I saw how much you liked the color. Are you sure it looks okay?”

  “It’s perfect.” Nicole kissed Amber’s lips. “You’re going to make a lot of people stare and jealous tonight. I’m the luckiest woman in the world having you as my arm candy.”

  “Picture time,” Mr. Phelps said, sensing that if he didn’t change the mood one or all three women in the room were going to cry.

  Nicole and Amber held each other as Mr. Phelps took several pictures with his camera, and then he used Nicole’s phone to take a few more for the girls. Just as he was handing the phone back to Nicole, they heard the horn from the car that Lucinda had sent for them.

  “Sounds like your ride is here,” Mrs. Phelps said. “You two have an amazing evening, and we’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  The couple left, and Nicole and Amber gathered their clutches and carefully headed down the stairs to the awaiting car. Once inside, Nicole texted a picture of her and Amber to Zach, Jill, Erik, Heather, and Jessie.

  Gorgeous, both of you. I can’t wait for tomorrow night, Zach replied.

  You two are the most beautiful women on the planet, Erik replied.

  Hot, hot, sexy, hot…DAMN… Heather said, causing the two women to laugh.

  Stunning, both of you, replied Jessie. Enjoy the night.

  You both clean up well. Have a fantastic night - we are with you in spirit, Jill said.

  The car pulled up outside the five-star restaurant, and the driver opened the door and helped Nicole and Amber out of the car.

  “Amber, you look incredible,” said Lucinda, who had waited for them to arrive to greet them.

  “Thank you,” Amber said softly.

  “You look beautiful as well, Nicole.”

  “Thank you, Lucinda. I’m just honored to have such a gorgeous date,” Nicole replied, her gaze tracing the chain of the necklace she had given Amber down to just above her exposed cleavage. Nicole had to will herself not to stare or drool.

  Lucinda escorted them in, and they greeted the other artists. Amber could feel several eyes on her, and although it made her feel uncomfortable, Nicole explained that they were staring because of how beautiful she was. Amber did her best not to let it bother her.

  After dinner, the group had drinks in the restaurant’s private lounge. Nicole and Amber ordered coffee while most of the others had mixed drinks or beer. Once the night was over, the car took the couple home, and once inside, they got ready for bed and held each other close.

  “One night down, one night to go,” Amber said stoically.

  “I’m so proud of you. You handled tonight beautifully.” Nicole kissed her forehead.

  “I wouldn’t have been able to handle it at all without you. Thank you for being here and loving me.”

  “That you never have to thank me for. It’s a pleasure and honor to love you and be a part of your life.”

  They drifted off to sleep both knowing that night was easy compared to what the next night would have in store for them.

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Showtime

  Morning arrived, and the nerves hit Nicole and Amber. Nicole was nervous for Amber. She knew Amber’s work was incredible, she knew the art would stand on its own. But she wondered how Amber would handle the crowds and the compliments. Amber’s fear, like Nicole’s, had to deal with the crowds, but also with her lack of self-confidence in her work. Part of her still didn’t believe she was good enough to be in the show. She wasn’t the type of person to enjoy the spotlight.

  “Morning,” Nicole said after they had lain awake for about an hour thinking and listening to the rain.

  “Morning.” Amber leaned over and kissed Nicole.

  “So, do you have butterflies in your stomach?”

  “More like bats.” Amber laughed.

  “I think you transferred a couple in that kiss. I have bats in my tummy, too,” Nicole teased, trying to ease the stress and tension.

  “I have a couple more if you would like them.”

  “No, but I would like another kiss.”

  Amber leaned in and pressed her lips to Nicole’s. The kiss started slow and sensual before passion took over and their kisses became heated and driven by desire. Their hands roamed each other’s body. Both women were turned on, but neither wanted to take it further. They were enjoying the feelings of need and desire.

  After an hour of making out, Nicole’s stomach growled, causing them to part and laugh.

  “Breakfast.” Amber raised an eyebrow and gave her a lopsided smile.

  “I was thinking about having you,” Nicole said in a sultry tone just before her stomach growled again.

  “Maybe we should get up and have some real breakfast. I believe the bats in your stomach are hungry.”

  “Fine,” Nicole said as they got out of bed. Nicole wrapped her arms around Amber’s waist and pulled her close. “I’m so proud of you. I love you, baby.”

  Amber blushed and then did the only thing she could think of at that moment. She cupped Nicole’s face in her hands and slowly brought their lips together. Barely touching but still together, feeling the love surge through
their bodies.

  “I love you, too,” Amber said, pulling back.

  The couple went to the kitchen and made breakfast. After they ate, Amber went to her favorite spot in the apartment to gather her thoughts. Amber sat on the pillows by the window. It was her Zen spot. Today, with the rain, Amber hoped it would help to calm her nerves.

  Nicole allowed Amber her space and went back to the bedroom.

  “Hey, Nicole,” Jill said, answering the phone.

  “Hey, Jill. How are you this morning?”

  “I’m good. Anxious to see Amber tonight and to see her show. Does she still believe we aren’t going to be there?”

  “Yeah, she does. I know it’s hard on her, but I think the surprise of seeing you guys will be worth it. How long are you guys staying?”

  “Well, we’re here for a few days. Erik couldn’t get more time off, and Heather doesn’t like to be away from the hotel. I haven’t decided how long I’ll stay yet. I want to see this place that Amber has called home for so long.”

  “That’s great. I know she’s going to be so happy that you’re all at least staying for a few days.”

  “I’m going to put you on speaker,” Jill said. “Heather and Erik are here now, too.”

  “Hey,” Nicole said.

  “Nicster!” Erik said.

  “Hey, Nic,” Heather said. “How’s Amber doing? How was last night?”

  “Amber is doing as well as can be expected. She’s nervous about tonight. I’ve seen the show, and Amber is definitely one of the best. And no, I’m not biased.”

  “Sure, you aren’t.” Erik laughed.

  “Okay, maybe a little bit. Last night was a good night. There were a couple of people who were really nice. There were a couple who were just mean because they were jealous.”

  “How’d Amber handle them?” Heather asked, concerned for her.