by Tey Holden
“Oh, is that why you are doing it to protect me?”
Karen blushed when she heard Addy’s comments.
“I don’t think I need protection, but that’s very sweet of you. Come here.” Reluctantly, Karen came closer, and Addy squeezed her into a big hug. “I love you.” Karen chuckled. How did I ever live without all this love? It’s like an addiction. The more I have the more I want.
That afternoon, a contractor came to mow the lawn and trim the bushes. Addy didn’t even get an estimate. She hired him on the spot based on Mr. Kimbell’s recommendation. She thought that it was imperative to clear the yard and the area surrounding the cottage mainly for safety reasons and to draw away insects and other animals that may be hiding “under there,” as she put it. By that evening, everything was cleared and the cottage was beginning to take some shape, at least on the outside.
***
On Friday night they drove to Edinburgh to return the rental car, and then they took a taxi to the hotel. Addy had reservations in a quaint small hotel in the center of town. She picked it because it was accessible to everything.
“What are we doing tonight Ms. Addy?”
“Wait a moment! You are the local gal. I was hoping you’d show me a good time in town.” She got close to Karen and was very suggestive with her eyes.
“I don’t know that I brought appropriate clothing for that kind of outing, sexy.”
“That’s where you are wrong, queridisima, because I brought you something very sexy to wear.”
Karen loved when Addy talked in Spanish to her. “Oh come on! Mi querida Addy, I’m not wearing a skirt.”
Addy also loved when Karen spoke to her in Spanish. Karen had a heavy accent, but she tried hard and had picked up a lot since they had been together. Sometimes it was good to be able to communicate in another language and have no one else understand. Although in Europe, it was sort of a gamble because most people spoke more than one language. So, they were always careful with whatever they said no matter the language.
“You are not wearing a skirt. You are wearing your sexy black low cut pants with the silk dark green blouse and the black vest that I got you the last time we went shopping.”
“And what will you be wearing?”
“You shall see when I come out of the shower.” Addy replied in a playful tone.
“I have the feeling I know what you are going to wear.” Addy smiled as she went into the bathroom.
“We could speed things up if I went in there with you.”
“Hah! Not even you believe that one!”
Still, Karen walked straight into the shower smiling.
“Kerrrrr! We are never going to leave this room if—.”
Karen kissed her. “The night is young, baby, and it’s all ours.”
Before they rode into town, they grabbed something to eat at the café next to the hotel, after Karen led the way into the Edinburgh night. They went to several places, among which was a gay bar and club. They danced for a while and moved on for a tour of the city at night.
“Looks like you did really get around, my little devil, you seem to know all the hot spots.”
“As hot as you think they might be, they were scary, lonely places for me. Trouble was lurking around every corner. I’m surprised I made it through all those turbulent years. I will tell you, though, today I felt as if I was seeing some of those places for the first time. It’s amazing, how one single thing can change everything.”
“What’s that?”
“A gorgeous brunette in a tight little, blue dress with magnificent eyes looking only at me for the entire night.”
Addy smiled pointing a finger at her. “Don’t you forget that!”
“I’m a marked woman, baby. A tattoo of your name on my forehead wouldn’t make it any clearer that I’m taken.”
“You are not taken, you gave yourself. There’s a difference. And now, I really think we should go back to the hotel. I’d like to sample my gift. So hurry, we have business requiring imminent attention.”
Karen grinned. “Let’s grab a taxi.” It was around four in the morning when they made it back to the hotel.
The minute they walked in the room, Karen dropped on the bed while Addy went into the bathroom. Upon coming back into the room, she found Karen fully dressed and asleep on the bed. Addy smiled and leaned over to kiss her. “Looks like my little devil is tired.” She then proceeded to undress her and to tuck her in. Once she was under the covers, Karen snuggled to her. “Good night, baby. Sleep tight.” She kissed Karen on her forehead.
***
It was ten in the morning when Karen woke up. “Oh God, my head is killing me! Addy, I’m sorry. I fell asleep last night. I think you were right. I can’t stay up so late anymore. I feel like my internal clock is out of whack. Are you mad at me, disappointed?”
Addy, who was barely waking up as well, looked at her. “Neither, baby. We were both tired. Don’t even think about it, or better yet, think that you owe me one.” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.
Karen grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m really good at paying back.”
“I know.”
Karen grinned and kissed her. “I’m going to get us some coffee downstairs. I’ll be right back.”
Karen came back with the caffeine fix and two croissants. After they drank and ate, they reclined on the sofa feeling much better.
“Okay, time to get dressed. Maybe if we start moving we will be able to function better.”
It worked, within the hour they were having another coffee and a full breakfast downstairs. After breakfast, they went shopping. They were unable to buy all they needed because they didn’t have a car yet and had no way to transport more than they could carry in the taxi.
“Maybe next weekend, we can come back and look for a car, Ker. We really need one.”
“Yeah, let’s do some research, and decide on one this week.” That afternoon they took the train back to Altee.
***
The following week, Karen had the town mechanic come to check the old truck parked in the back of the cottage. When he started it, it made horrible noises, but it did not explode. After replacing a few parts, the mechanic said it was good for local driving.
As Karen drove the old truck to town, they talked about buying a new car. “We are definitely going to Edinburgh this weekend again to look at cars. I don’t think this old thing is reliable. I’m still praying that we make it back to the cottage today. What car do you think we should get?”
“A Range Rover.”
“What? Addy, there can’t be a more English car than a Range Rover! I can’t believe that we are going to be so traditional.”
“Well, you know what they say…when in Rome …. I always wanted one of those, Ker, for real. They are very reliable.”
“I can’t believe it. I thought you’d want something sporty and fast, but if that’s what you want we’ll go take a look at them. They are plain and ugly, but they are great cars.”
“Oh, but I’m not talking about the old model. I like the Evoke. It has a nice line to it. I think it looks sexy and cool.”
“Okay, yes, I’ve seen those. They do look awesome. We’ll go test drive one. If you like it, we’ll look into a three-year lease. That will save us some money that we can use to fix that money pit of a house.”
“You are being too harsh, Ker. The cottage will turn out to be beautiful, you’ll see.”
“Oh, yeah, no doubt about it. Throw enough money at anything and even a grandma can look like a twenty year old.”
“Ha, ha. You will regret those words, Ms. Larsen.”
“You know, Addy, we have to sit down and decide what the grand plan is for this place because that will determine the amount of money I will put into it.”
“Ker, the plan is to fix the place to make our lives comfortable for the next three years and at the same time bring up the value of the property. I mean, certainly, no one is ever going to buy it looking like it looks now.
That is assuming that you’d want to sell it after the three years have passed. Also, I don’t like the fact that you talk about the fixing up as if it was something you are going to be doing by yourself. Aren’t we in this together?”
Karen stopped the pickup on the side of the road. “Addy, we are in this together, but you are crazy if you think I’m going to let you sink your money into this pit.”
“I thought that we were looking at this as a joint project.”
“Not on the money part. You are not using your money for this project.”
“Why not? Didn’t you tell Mr. Kimbell to put the title in both our names? Something, which we still must address, because I really don’t think it’s right.”
“I don’t want you to lose your money. Although we know what the place is worth, we don’t know what we will be able to do with it in three years. Sure, we’ll have clear title to it, but we don’t know what’s going to happen here, Addy.” Karen knew certain facts about the property that Addy was not aware of, and she was not sure if she would be able to sell the property. The inheritance was linked to Karen’s family in a peculiar way, and Karen hated to discuss the details of its ownership. She surely didn’t want to burden Addy with all that frivolity. Although, she knew that eventually, she would have to talk to Addy about it.
“So, let me see if I have this right. My role here is to be a kept woman?”
Karen rolled her eyes. “Addy, you know that’s not what I mean. Why do you always assume these things? Where do you get all these ideas? I just don’t want you to lose your money. Your being here with me is enough contribution to the cause.”
“First, I don’t assume things. I’m just telling you how I feel. I think it’s important that we communicate our feelings. So, let me see if I have this right. It’s not all right for me to lose money, but it’s all right for you to lose yours, is that it? And I don’t just see this as a cause, I see it as us spending three wonderful years here in a very nice comfortable home that we will both put together to make our lives here pleasant.”
“It’s my sink hole, you have no reason for which to put money in and lose it.” Karen started the truck and got back on the road.
Neither one of them spoke for a while, but looks were exchanged. Addy looked sad, or mad, or not happy. Karen looked resolved not to let Addy spend a penny of her money on what she saw as a failing venture.
Addy was the first to speak. “Ker, I thought we were partners.” Addy looked like she could start crying any minute.
“We are, Addy, we are. Why do you even question that? What does that have to do with anything?” Karen looked towards Addy and saw all the emotions in her face. Immediately, she was struck with fear. She felt she had hurt Addy, or that she had pierced the happy bubble, and was near panic trying to figure out what to say or do to fix it. Shit! How stupid can I be?
“Stop the truck, right now.” Addy demanded. Karen stopped on the side of the road petrified with fear.
“Ker, I’m wondering about our partnership because I feel it’s kind of selective. It seems that it only applies to certain things. For instance, it appears that you feel like you have to be the one doing and providing everything. I’m in this with you, our partnership and this project. I don’t want to feel like a guest, or a protégée, or fuck, why the heck are you doing this?”
Oh, oh! Karen was in pure panic now. Addy never cursed unless she was livid. “Is it because you feel some kind of guilt for my being here, or for having left Luke? You tell me right now because I want to get things in the clear. I left Luke because I was not in love with him, and I came here because I’m in love with you and want to spend the rest of my life with you. Good or bad, rich or poor, cottage or no cottage, money or no money. We do this together or we sleep on the old mattress and cook in the fireplace for the next three years. You are not putting one cent in there that I’m not matching and those are my terms.”
Karen closed her eyes and exhaled. “Addy, I only do what I do because I’m trying to protect you and to look out for your best interest. Is that wrong?”
“Ker, there’s nothing wrong with that except that I don’t need protection, and I need to feel that I’m part of this too. I convinced you to move and stay in Scotland, and I’m going to live here also, it is only fair that I contribute to the project in equal share.”
Karen looked to the road. She knew that Addy was determined and that the woman was stubborn. Addy continued. “I also don’t like the fact that you see this as a failed project. I don’t get into something if I think it’s going to fail. I think attitude is 90% of anything. I want to start this on a happy note and make the best of it.”
Karen was thoughtful for a while. “Okay, Addy, you win.” Addy was stunned at such an easy win. It was not like Karen to give up so easily. Something was coming. I know she’s cooking up something, be prepared to bat the next one Adriana!
Karen continued. “Here’s the deal,” Addy rolled her eyes knowingly, “if you contribute on an equal share to refurbish the cottage you have to agree that at the end of the three years when the title becomes clean, you have to accept that your name appears on the deed as co-owner.”
“Aaaah! I will most certainly not accept those terms.” Karen chuckled, and bit her lip. Addy looked too cute stating her protest.
“This is your inheritance, your birth right, I am not a gold digger, this place is worth eight million Euros! Don’t even think about me getting any of it just because I throw in a few bucks. Anyway, the cottage is a minimal part of the property, why would a few thousand bucks get me half the property? I am also not going to say anything like ‘you can reimburse me later when you sell it.’ I’m not going to say that because we are not business partners, and I don’t think that sets a good precedent. What’s mine is yours, that is the way I see it.” She crossed her arms and looked ahead to the road.
Karen grinned thinking that Addy, even when mad, looked adorable. She could hardly speak for fear of laughing, so she controlled herself. Laughing would make Addy angrier. “Addy, a gold digger is someone who hooks up with someone because they know they have money and they are only hooking up for the money. You and I have known each other, and loved each other long before we knew this was ever going to happen. This is the equivalent of winning the lottery after being married. It’s community property. It’s as much yours as its mine. We don’t have a piece of paper stating that we are married, but we are partners and we are committed in a relationship. Wasn’t it you who said this was not a shack up deal? Didn’t you say that what is yours is mine? Why can’t what’s mine be yours as well?”
Addy was beginning to show signs of coming around from her position. “I don’t know Ker, Aunt Charlotte was your aunt. This is your place.”
“Well, if that is the way you see it, it’s my money that goes into it!”
Addy looked at her with menacing eyes. “Karen Larsen, if my money doesn’t go into this project I’m not going to be a happy camper.”
Karen looked at her and laughed. “Okay, Addy, you win, but it’s really your loss. Any money you put in that place is lost money.”
“Didn’t we agree some time ago that there is no losing with me? Ker, no one loses here. We both win.”
Karen smiled and said nothing. She knew she had lost the argument, but still didn’t feel good about taking Addy’s money to rebuild the cottage. She started the truck and drove, still feeling a little shaky.
Addy remained very quiet the rest of the way. They arrived in town, did some shopping, and had a bite to eat. Addy still had a resigned pondering expression as they drove back. She didn’t speak the whole way back. Karen was worried all the way to the cottage. A quiet Addy was worse than a screaming Addy. There was something going on in that head for sure. When they arrived at the cottage, they settled their groceries in the kitchen, went to the bathroom, and then came out to the patio. Karen brought two glasses of wine with her.
It was a warm spring night. “Truce?” She handed the wine
glass to Addy.
“Thanks.”
“Wanna talk?”
“Sure, what about?” Addy asked.
“Us.”
Addy gave her a stare. “Is there more? If this is about the money thing, I’m claiming res judicata.”
Karen laughed. “Am I ever going to win with you?”
“I’m a very reasonable person. When you are right, I will be the first one to admit it. So, yes, you will win, but not on this, not tonight.”
Karen couldn’t help smile. She liked Addy’s tenacity. “Addy, we agreed that we wanted to make a life together, right?”
Oh shit, what is this now? “Yes.” Addy replied.
“I was just thinking that we have never spoken about a commitment as such, but trying to make a life together seems like a pretty solid commitment, right?” Karen noticed that Addy was not very responsive and began to feel a bit nervous. Addy was trying to figure out where the conversation was going.
Karen sat on the edge of the chair in front of her and leaned forward. “Addy, you said some things today that made me feel like we need to clarify certain things. First, I need you to know that there’s nothing I want more on this earth than to spend the rest of my life with you, and to make you happy. You are all I have, need, and want. Second, you are the only heir in my will. All I have is yours. Third, we drew powers of attorney to handle each other’s affairs and health issues. That’s how we both said we wanted it. I think such commitment makes us partners. I just need to clarify that with you because out there on the road today, I had the feeling that we weren’t clear about it, and it frightened me. It is for better or worse, in sickness and in health and forever. I need you to understand that this is how I see our relationship. Nothing less, Addy, nothing less. Is this how you see it also?”
Karen’s hands were trembling by the time she was finished, she kept moving them so that Addy wouldn’t notice her nervousness, but Addy knew her well enough to know that this was one of her mechanisms to hide her nerves. Addy, took Karen’s hands in hers, sensing and almost feeling Karen’s uneasiness. She brought Karen’s hands to her lips and placed gentle kisses on them and brought them close to her cheeks to caress them. She looked into the green eyes and nodded.