They tapped their glasses in a toast of agreement.
The snow had stopped, and Alex delighted in the serenity of the winter scene. Rosy had left a trail of hoofprints in her quest for food, and the birds flew off in search of shelter. She stood and stretched, content with her decision. She only hoped the news about Martinez was good and she would be able to keep their date.
*
“The dressage starts in five minutes. Let’s go get a seat,” Jaylin said over her shoulder as she pulled Kristen by the hand.
Debby and Alex laughed and strolled after them. Alex relaxed in the presence of these women, who were all so genuine and…real. She inhaled, enjoying the smell of horses, leather, and sawdust. Memories of Mr. Ed and the stables where she’d leased him took her by surprise. She missed him.
“Can we go watch the trainer next?” Debby asked.
“And the barrel racing exhibition, too,” Alex said.
“We’ll be here all day, guys. We’ll see everything.” Kristen grinned and squeezed Jaylin’s hand.
“I’d like to stop at the Ariat boot seller before we leave,” Alex whispered to Debby.
“And I want to check out the parade saddles,” Debby whispered back.
“Will you two quit whispering? We’ll see it all.” Jaylin smiled and turned back to the riders in the ring.
Alex watched the riders barely move atop their graceful horses as they pranced, changed gaits, and skipped to music.
“Look.” Alex pointed to a majestic dapple gray trotting past them. “That’s a Lusitano. He’s a beauty.”
“Oh, he is,” Kristen said. “I’ve never seen one before.”
“They’re from Portugal and were originally bred for bullfighting. I haven’t seen one in years.” Alex stopped herself from saying more. Her excitement at seeing the horse breed had almost caused her to slip. Another suppressed memory surfaced of her helping train a friend’s two-year-old Lusitano. She relaxed when Kristen didn’t ask questions.
The event was over too soon as far as Alex was concerned, and they moved to the next ring, where a horse trainer demonstrated various methods of bonding with horses. She allowed the forbidden recollections of the hours she had spent training Mr. Ed using similar methods. She felt the melancholy stealing over her and tried to shake it off by holding Debby’s hand.
“Let’s go check out the draft horses,” Debby said.
They spent an hour visiting the draft horse stalls and checking out the various horse rescue localities advertising alongside the feed stores and tack shops.
“Anybody ready to break for lunch?” Jaylin asked.
“Yeah,” they said in unison.
Alex shifted in the tiny plastic chair at the tiny round table they had picked in the food area. She took a bite of her hot dog and a drink of iced tea while enjoying the contentment of having friends. Two and a half years ago, she never would have imagined she would be sitting at a public event with three friends. One of whom is, maybe, more than a friend.
“The barrel race starts at one. Are we ready?” Alex willed herself to sit still and wait.
“I’m almost finished.” Kristen grinned and finished her last bite of hot dog.
“I’m ready.” Jaylin picked up their empty cups and paper plates and tossed them into the waste bin.
They reached the bleachers at the barrel racing area just as the competition began.
“Do you have any plans for Thanksgiving?” Debby asked after they’d settled in their seats.
Alex turned away from the exhibition to look at Debby. “I’m not sure. I know Jennifer is going to Phil’s to meet his family. I haven’t talked to my dad yet, but we’ll get together for sure on Sunday, if not Thursday. How about you?”
“I’m going to fly out to see my mom this year. She lives not far from my sister and her family in Arizona. I haven’t been out there for a couple of years.”
Alex knew her father might make an effort to get together for the holiday, though it was unlikely, and she immersed herself in the brief fantasy of both of their families sharing turkey at the dining room table.
“So, how do you know so much about horses?” Debby asked as they walked to her car.
Alex had mentally rehearsed her answer since she had made the statement about the Lusitano. “I’ve always loved horses, so I read all I could about them and studied the breeds.” She didn’t need to tell her about her horse or Florida. She was getting better at lying, or half-truths, even if it wasn’t getting any easier.
“You knew a lot about all those gaits and fancy footwork, too. Have you ridden dressage?”
Alex didn’t need to lie about her answer. “No. I just love watching it. The Olympic events are my favorite.”
“Mine, too.” Debby turned and held her gaze. “Maybe we can watch them together next August.”
Alex flinched at the reference to their future, but she had to admit she didn’t want to dismiss the possibility. “Maybe we can.”
Chapter Twenty-three
Debby set her textbook aside and stood to stretch out the kinks in her back. Spending her lunch hour daily sitting at her desk was starting to take its toll, but she wanted to be ready for the certified geriatric pharmacist exam. She logged on to her computer and double-checked that the deadline for registration was in December. Then she went to find Kelly.
“Hey, Kelly. Did you have lunch yet?”
“Hi, Deb. No. I was thinking of swinging by and seeing if you felt like joining me in the cafeteria.”
“Let’s go.”
They filled their trays at the buffet line and sat at one of the tables.
“Are you planning to go to the Big Drug dinner next week?” Debby asked.
“I think so. I can’t believe they planned it for Thanksgiving weekend. I’ve got my parents and my brother coming to dinner on Thursday, and my aunt and uncle on Saturday. I was planning to relax on Friday.”
“It’s at that fancy place downtown, so it’ll probably be a good meal. And you won’t have to cook.”
“Good point. You’re going, aren’t you?”
“Oh yeah. I think the Pharmacists Association would blackball me if I didn’t show up. Big Drug is one of the largest drug manufacturers in the country. We’re expected to be there to schmooze and pretend we’re excited about their new medications.”
“I’ll decide by Wednesday and RSVP. Are you bringing anyone?”
“I’m going to ask Alex if she wants to go. We’ve sort of started dating.” Debby kept her head down like she was concentrating on her salad.
“Well, this is news. When did this start?” Kelly stopped eating and set her fork on her plate.
“Just a couple of weeks ago. We’re going to see how it goes. Take it slowly and keep the pressure off.” Debby sat back and took a drink of water, liking the way it sounded. Slow, sure, steady. Plenty of time for Alex to slowly open up about things.
“I’m happy for you, although I’m surprised. The last time we talked, you were worried because you felt she didn’t trust you, but now you’re dating?”
“I can’t explain it, but I feel like I know, and like, who she is inside, and that seems to be enough for now.” Debby considered her words. Alex might have secrets, but didn’t she, too? She had her list, and she had never told anyone about it. That was her secret.
“Well, that’s it then. I’ll be at the dinner if only to see you two together. I’ll talk to you later.” Kelly returned her tray to the stack and left Debby sitting alone at the table, thinking about how Alex’s smile made her stomach jump, and how remarkably soft her lips were.
She went back to her desk to call Alex. Hearing her voice always settled her, and she wanted to hear it before she went back to her studying. Slow and steady. No pressure.
*
“Hi, Debby. Hang on a second.” Alex took her phone to the empty valet area of the lobby. “Okay. I was at the front desk. What’s up?”
“I have an event that’s put on by a drug company tha
t I thought was just a show-and-tell sort of thing for their new drugs. It turns out it’s a dinner event, so I was wondering if you’d go with me? It’s this Friday night.”
“I’d like that. I still haven’t talked to Dad about Thanksgiving, but I doubt he’d want to do anything on Friday anyway. Okay if I let you know tomorrow?”
“Sure. It’s sort of last-minute, but this is the first time they’ve had a dinner.”
“Great. I’ll give you a call tomorrow, and, Debby?”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for inviting me. Second date?”
“Second date. Looking forward to it.”
Alex hung up and went back to her post at the front desk. She knew her father had his NA meetings on Friday evenings, but she couldn’t tell Debby that without getting into an explanation. She had bought herself time to absorb the fact that she and Debby were dating. It probably wasn’t fair, but if felt so right. She was becoming more comfortable disclosing who she was without revealing her past, and it seemed to be enough for Debby. For now. She didn’t want to hurt Debby, and she hoped she wasn’t letting herself in for a big heartache. She’d take it one day at a time.
Alex pushed her father’s speed button on her phone while she sat at the lunch table she now considered hers and Debby’s.
“Hi, Dad. How’re you doing?”
“Hey, Alex. I’m good. You on your lunch break?”
“Yep, and I thought I’d see how you were and when you wanted to get together for Thanksgiving.”
“I talked to Jen, and she’s going to her boyfriend’s on Thursday.”
“Yeah. She told me, too. How’s Sunday sound instead? I’ll get us a little Butterball and all the fixings.” Alex began mentally making a grocery list.
“That sounds great. Uh, would you mind if I brought Willy? He has no family, and I know he’ll be alone.”
“Sure, bring him along. I’ll call Jennifer and invite her and Phil. It’ll be nice for all of us to be together, even if it isn’t exactly on Thanksgiving Day.”
“Thanks, honey. Please don’t tell Willy I told you this, but I know that he’s struggling to stay straight. He can’t seem to keep away from the bad crowd he’s been involved with for years. I think it will help for him to have the invitation to focus on and to be around people who aren’t using, you know?”
“I understand. I look forward to having you both here. Let’s make it about four.”
“I’ll see you Sunday.”
Alex sipped her coffee and allowed herself the memory of the few Thanksgiving meals they’d shared as a family in Florida. She’d been responsible for cooking, since she was the oldest and her mother had spent most of her days in bed. She looked forward to merging her family with the new people in their lives. She’d miss Debby, but she missed her own mother and would never begrudge Debby hers. Alex finished her lunch and called Jennifer.
*
The Friday after Thanksgiving, Debby took her hand as soon as they entered the expansive restaurant. The red and green lights and poinsettias gave the lobby a festive atmosphere, but the event room reflected the elegance of the building rather than the holiday season. There was a small fir tree decorated with white lights and red bows on a stand in a corner by the door, but beyond that, nothing indicated that Christmas was around the corner. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above the rose colored carpet and white linen covered round tables. Sterling silver platters laden with hors d’ oeuvres sat on a long table against one wall, and coffee pots and wine occupied a space at the end. She pointed to the hardwood square dance floor, and Debby nodded and grinned.
Debby squeezed her hands and pulled out a chair for her at one of the round tables. Alex wondered about Debby’s newfound comfort level, as well as her own. Was Debby compromising her values of needing honesty and openness in a relationship? She would never ask her to do that, but Debby seemed to have come to a place where she accepted her for who she was, with fewer questions. Her life still felt too complicated to involve anyone but too lonely if she didn’t.
“Glass of wine before dinner?” Debby asked.
“Yes, please.”
Alex’s perusal of Debby striding to the bar was interrupted when Kelly pulled out the chair across from her.
“Anyone sitting here?” she asked.
“No. Have a seat. I know we’ve met once, but my name is Alex.” She smiled and leaned forward to shake Kelly’s hand.
“I’m Kelly, a friend of Debby’s. Your dog is Abby, right?”
“Right. Good to see you again, Kelly. This looks like it’s going to be a nice dinner.”
“Yeah. Big Drug does a nice job of trying to get us to buy their products.”
Debby returned and handed a full wine glass to Alex. “Hi, Kelly. Glad you could make it. Can I get you a glass of wine or something?”
“Thanks. I’ll go to the bar in a minute.”
“Did you come alone?” Debby asked
“Yeah. I asked Mary, but she was going out of town. I can’t believe they chose a holiday weekend to have this thing.”
“Who knows what corporations think? I’m going to enjoy the good meal and good company.” Debby smiled and grazed Alex’s hand with her fingers.
Alex turned her hand so their fingers intertwined. “I think the DJ is setting up.” She pointed to the area behind the dance floor.
“I hope the DJ is good,” Kelly said.
Alex didn’t care as long as she could hold Debby in her arms. It wasn’t long before her wish came true. The music began and several couples, gay and straight, took to the dancing area.
“You ready?” Debby grinned and held out her hand.
“You bet.” Alex took her hand and glided into her arms. “It’s about time,” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around Debby’s neck.
They sauntered back to their table hand in hand when they heard the call for dinner.
“You two looked good out there.” Kelly looked relaxed as she sat with one arm resting on the back of her chair and a beer in her hand on the table. “You’re just in time. They called our table for the buffet.” She finished her beer and stood.
Alex couldn’t suppress her grin as she walked with Debby and Kelly to the food line. She filled her plate and cautiously accepted the possibility of being able to relax her guard. At least for one evening.
*
Alex cursed her last-minute shopping decision as she wound her way through the aisles, stopping every few feet to wait for someone browsing the nearly empty shelves to move. She occupied her time with memories of dancing with Debby. Their bodies fit together perfectly, and her pulse jumped when she remembered her warm hand on her back, drawing her closer with each dance step. The two months they had decided to wait seemed so far away, the longer they held each other. A woman with a baby stroller maneuvered past her, bumping her cart and wrenching her back to the present.
She paid for her groceries and went home. She checked the clock for the third time. Debby had promised to call when she arrived in Arizona.
The turkey was cooked, and her father and Willy arrived as Alex pulled the pumpkin pie out of the oven.
“Hi, honey. You remember Willy?”
“Of course.” Alex hugged her father and Willy. “I’m glad you could make it. Jennifer called to let me know they would be a little late. Her boyfriend, Phil, is a cop, and he often has to work late. Come on in and have a seat. Coffee?”
“I’d love a cup. Thank you,” Willy said.
“Me, too.”
Alex handed them their cups and sat across from them on her comfy chair. “How’s work going, Dad?”
“Good. I’ve transferred to the day shift, so I feel like I have a life again. Will and I can make it to the Friday night meetings now. How’re you doing at that fancy hotel?”
“Great. I like it a lot.” Alex checked her watch. Debby’s plane should have landed. “We had a large group last week for a girl’s bat mitzvah. I found it interesting that Jewish children aren’t requ
ired to observe their commandments until the girls are twelve and the boys thirteen.”
“I have a cousin who married a Jewish man last year. My Catholic mother refused to go to their wedding. I went and had a great time.” Willy shrugged and took a drink of coffee.
The buzzer sounded and she rose to let in Jennifer and Phil.
“Hi, sis. The turkey smells great.”
“It’s ready and waiting to be carved. Come on in. Phil hasn’t met Willy yet.”
Jennifer introduced Phil and Alex sensed something akin to fear in Willy’s eyes. A swift look of concern crossed Phil’s face when their eyes locked, and he extended his arm in front of Jennifer slightly and took a step back. She shook off the weird uneasy feeling and called everyone to the table. Conversation was light and quiet as everyone dug in.
“This turkey is wonderful, Alex. Thank you for inviting me. I’d have probably opened a can of Spam for dinner tonight.” Willy reached for a second helping of turkey and potatoes while he narrowed his eyes at Phil.
“Thank you. It’s hard to ruin a Butterball turkey.”
“How’s your job at the dentist going, Jen?” Their father leaned his chin on one hand and leaned around Phil to see her.
“It’s wonderful. I’ll be done with my degree this semester, and Dr. Parker will hire me full-time.”
“That’s great, honey. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Dad.” Jennifer reached across Phil to squeeze her dad’s hand.
“If everyone is done, we can sit in the living room and have dessert.” Alex stood and began gathering empty plates.
They sat in the living room with coffee and pie, and Alex noticed Willy eyeing Phil again.
“This pie is delicious, Alex. Can I have the recipe?” Jennifer asked.
“It’s on the can of pumpkin. Nothing terribly unique, I’m afraid.”
“Oh. Cool. I’ll make one for Christmas.”
Alex pondered where she would be at Christmas and if Debby would be there.
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