“No? You smell really nice. Like…lemons and vanilla.”
The realization that this woman was attentive enough to recognize and note the subtle scents of her shampoo and body lotion made Maddie feel flattered and warm. She took a long drink from her own glass and noticed that Julia was spinning the stem of her empty martini glass with her fingers.
“So, Maddie, tell me, do you have time for more than a drink?” Julia asked quietly.
Maddie paused at the question. “I guess that depends.” Maddie decided to go with the flow for once instead of worrying about anything at all, including her suspicion that Julia might actually return her interest. She looked at Julia closely, meeting and holding her gaze. “Are you…trying to pick me up?”
Julia smiled widely. “No…and not because you aren’t deserving of that kind of effort because, trust me, sweetie, you most certainly are.”
“Thank you.” Maddie’s pleasure at the compliment was tempered with a sharp stab of disappointment that Julia was not interested in her in the way she had hoped.
“I’m enjoying your company very much and I hate to eat alone, so…can I buy you dinner? On the slim chance that someone like you doesn’t already have plans for the evening.”
“Someone like me?” Maddie asked, not understanding the inference.
“Yes, sweetie, look at you. Someone as lovely as you…would have to have plans on a Friday night.”
Maddie smiled. “You’re sweet for saying that but I have no plans this evening. I wouldn’t ordinarily be this free, but my son is spending the weekend with his father.”
“You have a little one?” Julia asked.
Maddie laughed at the question. “Little? He’s 16 and taller than me.”
Julia’s eyebrows rose in apparent surprise. “Did you have him when you were 10?”
“No, but I wasn’t much older than he is now.” Maddie shook her head, trying to shake the memories from that time in her life.
Julia’s hand rested on her forearm. “The same thing happened to me…but I was a little older than you. I married her father, which I regret, but I never regretted having her.”
Maddie covered Julia’s hand with her own. “I feel the same way about my son.”
Julia nodded, and then she frowned, looking as though she was working through something. “I just did some quick math in my head. I’m a good 10 years older than you.”
Maddie squeezed Julia’s hand and smiled as she slowly perused her features, deciding to say exactly what she was thinking. “Look at you…you can’t possibly be.”
“Charmer,” Julia whispered. “So, how’s the restaurant here in the hotel?”
“The Essex? I hear it’s very good, but it’s also very expensive.”
“Sounds perfect.”
“Here? No, we can’t. I can’t,” Maddie said, her eyes widening in surprise at the suggestion. The Essex was so far above her price range she had never even considered dining there.
“It’s my treat, please,” Julia reassured her.
Maddie looked down at her uniform of black slacks and white buttoned shirt, suddenly feeling way out of Julia’s league. “Thank you, really, but I’m not dressed for it.”
Julia slid off the bar chair and gestured to Maddie to do the same and they stood facing each other. Julia looked her up and down and smiled. “May I?” Julia asked.
Maddie nodded, not sure what she had given Julia permission to do, but not wanting to discourage this woman’s focused and flattering attention. Julia reached her hands past Maddie’s shoulders and gently pulled off the tie holding her ponytail, loosening her hair gently with her fingers. Maddie vigorously shook her hair out, her natural waves falling loosely around her shoulders. Julia smiled widely at the transformation.
“Your hair is gorgeous. Do you have lipstick?” Julia asked.
Maddie reached into her pants pocket and pulled out her lipstick, applying it generously as Julia stepped back and pulled her own suit jacket off and down her arms, leaving her in just the skirt and crisp white blouse. She held it out to Maddie.
“Try this on. It’ll be a little too big on you, but I think it will work with those slacks.” Maddie looked at the beautiful designer jacket, hesitating. Julia shook the jacket at her. “Just do it.”
Maddie slid the jacket on, still warm from Julia’s body heat and smelling like her perfume. Julia smiled as she stepped forward to adjust the collar of Maddie’s blouse under the jacket and then brought a thumb up to correct the line of lipstick along her bottom lip. Julia looked her up and down slowly and Maddie almost shivered at the intimate gaze.
“Am I acceptable?” Maddie asked.
“You’re more than acceptable. I’ll have the best looking date in the restaurant,” Julia said softly.
“You cannot be serious,” Maddie said. “I will. Have you looked in the mirror lately?”
Julia cocked her head. “Sure I have. I’m…very well put together, but you, Maddie, you’re beyond lovely.”
Maddie smiled at the compliment, wondering if she had ever been so flattered in her entire life. “Wow. You’re already the best date I’ve had in forever.”
Julia wiggled her eyebrows playfully at her. “Wait until I wine and dine you.”
Chapter 2
Julia smiled at Maddie as they walked toward the restaurant, thinking that she couldn’t remember the last time she had met someone and instantly developed this kind of connection. Julia had certainly noticed Maddie earlier when she had ordered a martini from her because she was a natural beauty, especially when she smiled, displaying deep dimples in smooth olive toned skin. Her hair was dark and shiny, curling naturally at the ends. She wore large and distinctive silver earrings and little or no make-up and her eyes were dark and almond shaped. Julia had looked up several times while sitting at the bar to find that dark, curious gaze directed at her. Julia found the young woman to be personable and charming and just the kind of pleasant distraction that she needed after a long day.
Julia allowed Maddie to walk slightly ahead of her, holding a gentle hand against the small of her back to guide her as they strolled into the restaurant, being respectful but making it obvious to anyone looking that they were together. Julia suddenly knew how men felt when having an attractive woman on their arm. Julia confidently strode to the maître d' station and smiled widely, pouring on the charm to get a good table without a reservation. Julia realized that she was actually trying to impress Maddie.
Once seated, Julia noticed that Maddie seemed uncomfortable and realized she was probably feeling out of her element, the rich décor of wooden columns and leather upholstered seating rather pretentious. Julia tried to put her at ease, chatting to her about the menu and suggesting dishes they could share, as well as politely asking her permission before she ordered a bottle of wine for the two of them to share. Julia was pleasantly surprised to find that Maddie had an adventurous palette, willing to try anything Julia suggested.
Julia smiled at Maddie as they were sharing a seafood sampler appetizer. “Thank you for doing this. I can’t remember the last time I’ve done something this spontaneously.”
Maddie shook her head. “Are you kidding? I’ve always wanted to eat here and you’re really good company.”
“I’m enjoying your company as well. So, what would you be doing tonight if you hadn’t rescued me?” Julia asked.
“To be honest, I would be sitting at home in my sweats, probably eating a BLT and doing homework,” Maddie replied. “I’m almost done with my degree.”
“What kind of degree?”
“Business Management. I’m an Administrative Assistant at an advertising and public relations firm and a Bachelor’s will bump up my salary and my title to Executive Assistant. It would also make me eligible for entry-level management positions.” Maddie said. “I also do some freelance graphic design.”
Julia realized she was staring and shook her head slightly. “You’re an impressive woman, Madalena Francisco. You’re a sin
gle mother…you work a full-time job and two part-time jobs…and you go to school?”
Maddie shrugged. “I just do what I have to do to make ends meet. Thankfully, my family has always helped with Gabriel, that’s my son, and he spends time with his Dad and Stepmom regularly. They’re very nice people, thank God.”
“What do you do for fun?”
“My son likes hiking and the Red Sox so if it’s his turn to choose, we do bleacher seats at Fenway or the Blue Hills reservation. I like art so if it’s my turn to choose…it’s usually a museum or art exhibit.” Maddie smiled. “I know more about baseball than I ever imagined, but have become a fan and Gabe knows more about art than he ever imagined, but he’s actually become interested in sculpture and wood carving.”
“What kind of art do you like?” Julia asked, wanting to know more about this young woman. That was surprising since it had been a long time since she had had this kind of interest in anyone.
“Every kind really, the creative process fascinates me, but especially a group of artists known as the Hudson River painters. Sanford Gifford is my favorite.”
“Hudson River are landscape painters, right?” Julia asked, grateful that she had recalled this random fact.
Maddie smiled at her widely. “You know art?”
“Not really. What is it about Gifford that you like?” Julia asked.
“I love the way he uses light in his landscapes. Beautiful and almost…spiritual. To me anyway.”
“My youngest daughter loves to Google so we’re going to be looking him up.”
“How old are your daughters?”
Julia smiled. “Eleanor is 13…going on 30. Vivienne is 22.”
“I can’t believe you have a daughter that age and I love their names.”
Julia was flattered by Maddie’s compliment. “Thank you. So, what do you do…just for you?”
Maddie smiled. “I read. I love weird little art house films…I study Buddhism…do yoga…and I love beachcombing, even in bad weather.”
“Wow. You’re so much more than just a gorgeous face, aren’t you? Buddhism, huh? Do you meditate?”
“Yes. Do you?”
“I try to. What do you read?” Julia asked quietly.
“I’m partial to historical biographies.”
“Really? Me, too.”
Maddie laughed lightly. “Are you kidding? What are you reading right now?”
“A biography of Jane Digby. I can’t put it down. I’ll let you have it when I’m done,” Julia said, surprising herself with the offer. She realized that she wanted this encounter with Maddie to develop into something more and be repeated. Julia kept her gaze on Maddie for a long moment, wondering why she felt so drawn to this young woman.
“Thank you,” Maddie said quietly. “Wow. I don’t often meet someone…like-minded, I guess. I don’t really fit in with the rest of my family. I think they consider me to be a bit of an odd duck.”
“I don’t think you’re an odd duck at all. I think you’re really interesting. You bring to mind the proverb ‘still waters run deep’.”
Maddie stared at her for a minute and Julia thought she looked a little surprised at her comments. She wondered about Maddie’s family and if they had instilled the little glimpses of insecurity that she had revealed.
Maddie smiled. “Thank you. The last time I tried to share my interests with someone I had just met on a blind date, I had to explain…in detail…what all of them were, except for the beachcombing and that was because he thought I was using a metal detector for that.”
Julia laughed lightly. “What kind of people are you dating?”
“The unsuitable kind. My family is always trying to fix me up with people who are completely wrong for me. If this was a blind date, I’d be thrilled since you have already surpassed any and all previous candidates,” Maddie said.
Maddie’s statement made Julia excited in a way she did not quite understand. “I’m glad because you certainly deserve the attention,” Julia said, trying not to openly stare at Maddie, but failing miserably.
Maddie lowered her gaze. “So…what about you? What do you do…just for you?”
“I read and I walk. I like eating out and trying new things. But that’s when I’m not helping my youngest daughter with her homework…or checking my e-mail or following up on any number of things I didn’t get to at the office,” Julia explained.
“What kind of office?”
“Real estate,” Julia said.
“Are you an agent?”
“Broker. I have my own agency. Vivienne works for me.”
“Commercial or residential?”
Julia liked that Maddie was not only interested, but she also asked intelligent questions. “Mainly residential.”
“Here in the city?”
“Oh, no. On the south coast, the greater New Bedford area. I live in Fairhaven.”
Maddie smiled widely. “You’re kidding? I love Fairhaven. It’s where Gabe’s Dad and Stepmom live.”
Julia smiled back, happy to know that Maddie might have an excuse to be in her area sometime in the future. “Really? The next time you’re down that way again, please look me up. Butler Flats Realty. I’ll give you a tour of the area and maybe we can do this again.”
“I’d love to.” Maddie started to say something else and then hesitated.
Julia cocked her head. “What were you going to say?”
Maddie shrugged. “Just being nosy. I was wondering…is there no one special in your life?”
Julia snorted. “No, not for a long time. After two divorces, I have finally learned my lesson. It’s just easier being alone. Anyway…how about you? You’re single?”
“Yes. I have no time to date really, with Gabriel, and work and school…and when I’ve had the opportunity…”
Julia reached over and touched her hand, encouraging her to continue. “What?”
Maddie’s gaze met Julia’s. “I’m torn between what my heart wants and what everyone else expects from me and I don’t want to settle…so I simply…stopped trying.”
Julia was surprised at her reaction to this young woman’s confession, thinking that anyone would be lucky to be the object of her attention and affection. “You absolutely should not settle. You have a lot to offer someone, Maddie, and you should stay true to yourself. You’re a real catch.”
“What about you? Look at you. You’re smart and beautiful and God, confident as hell,” Maddie stated. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been this impressed with anyone before.”
Julia felt her eyebrows lift in delighted surprise, as flattered as she could ever remember being. “Thank you, really, but confidence is simply having enough of an attitude to go after what you want. Unfortunately, I seem to have terrible luck with men.”
Maddie laughed lightly as she tipped her wineglass at Julia. “Maybe you should try a woman.”
Julia met and held Maddie’s gaze for a long beat, the suggestive flirtation affecting her physically, her breath catching in her throat. She found her gaze settled on Maddie’s mouth and she wondered what it would be like to kiss her. Maddie licked her lips and Julia felt herself swallow at the sexy gesture.
“Maybe I should,” Julia finally whispered, shocked at her own reaction. Julia was trying to decide if Maddie was simply teasing her or was trying to convey a message, but Maddie shyly lowered her gaze and finished the glass of wine in her hand, the moment allowed to pass by the both of them.
After they shared a dessert, Julia signed for the meal and they walked out of the restaurant together. Maddie clutched at Julia’s arm and leaned against her. “I can’t thank you enough, Julia. The only thing better than the meal was the company and the meal was incredible.”
Julia tugged on Maddie’s sleeve, wanting to keep Maddie close, wanting the evening to continue. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. Would you like to continue this in my room? I’ve got a nice bottle of wine chilling.”
Maddie stopped and looked at Julia. “Did you just ask m
e up to your room?”
Julia faltered for a brief moment, realizing that was exactly what she had just done and suddenly not wanting the offer to be interpreted as anything but exactly that.
“I…yes, I did.” Maddie simply stared at her for a moment and Julia was afraid she had misinterpreted what seemed to be happening between them. “Have I offended you, Maddie?”
Maddie swallowed. “No. I’m flattered…and tempted…but not offended.” Maddie smiled as she looked around with uncertainty. “Are you serious?”
Julia inhaled, taking in Maddie’s warm gaze, her dimpled smile. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been more serious about anything in my entire life.” Julia took her hand and gently pulled her into a small alcove, out of the path of passing hotel guests. “Look, we can go back to the bar and get a table if you’d be more comfortable, but I don’t want to let you go just yet. I can’t tell you how much I’m enjoying your company.”
Maddie smiled. “Thank you for saying that.” She inhaled deeply. “I would love to have a glass of wine in your room…and continue the conversation.”
Julia felt both nervous and excited as she led them into the elevators, making sure to keep a polite distance from Maddie, wondering what the hell she was doing. Julia wondered if she had lost her mind or had simply had way too much to drink. She had never even considered asking anyone she had just met up to her room and certainly never considered it with a woman. Is that why this seemed so natural and so acceptable? Because Maddie was a woman?
Julia had always considered herself to be an open-minded and a “live and let live” kind of person. She had gay friends and gay colleagues and she had admired other women, certainly she had. She had actually thought about the possibility of being with another woman, had even discussed it with her friend Deborah, who was a lesbian, but this, right now, with Maddie, felt entirely different from any of those things.
When Maddie suddenly smiled at Julia she decided that she had definitely not lost her mind or had too much to drink, but she knew that she wanted Maddie. She had realized since dinner that she wanted to know what it would be like to kiss Maddie, but Julia was stunned to realize that she wanted to know even more than that.
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