Brooklyn Summer

by Maggie Cummings

  “Oh yeah?” Ashleigh turned to her and her eyes were so full of contentment it made her warm all over. “What about?”

  “What if…” She reached forward and hooked a strand of hair behind Ashleigh’s ear. Ashleigh kissed her hand in thanks. “What if I come back next summer. We’ll send Aunt Holly off to a new locale. You and Blue can get your fix in. And you and I can see all the things we don’t get to this summer.” Ashleigh was clearly listening, but in the dim light she couldn’t read her expression and she panicked. “This will also help with the dating dilemma you mentioned earlier.”

  “I’m supposed to wait a whole year?”

  A nervous laugh escaped her. “No. No. That’s not what I meant.” Fuck, she was making a mess of this. She took a deep breath and spoke from the heart. “Come visit me. In Colorado. I’ll teach you to ski, like your grandmother wants.”

  “Are you serious?”

  It was the closest they’d come to talking about the future, and while it wasn’t a subject she’d planned on broaching, she wasn’t ready to say good-bye either. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot, honestly. I mean…what if I stayed? Not forever, obviously.” She heard her voice shake and she got up just to alleviate some of her anxiety.

  She walked into the kitchen and leaned across the island. “I don’t want to scare you. Or pressure you.” She picked at her fingers nervously. “I just haven’t felt this way…about anyone…in a long time.” Or ever. One step at a time, she reminded herself. “If I stayed for a bit, we could see where this goes.” Her throat was cotton, her tongue dry as the Sahara. She looked up to check Ashleigh’s reaction.

  “Kellan.” Ashleigh tossed the covers aside, and Kellan caught a glimpse of her light pink panties. Ashleigh bent down and picked up an old Army tee that was enormous on her small frame as she sauntered over. Ashleigh touched her cheek gently. “I would love it if you stayed.”

  She was thrilled at the response, and she hugged Ashleigh tight before lifting her onto the island to kiss her. “I know you’ll be busy with school, but there’s this friend I’ve been meaning to look up anyway.”

  “It will be nice to have you around. The beginning of the school year is hectic, but we’ll figure it out. Will you stay here? With your aunt?”

  “I don’t know. I guess I hadn’t thought that far.” She chuckled in relief and reached over to welcome Blue, who had jumped up to celebrate with them. “Hear that, Blueberry, you may be stuck with me a while longer.”

  Ashleigh reached over to give him some love. “That means me too,” she said before giving her attention back to Kellan. “What about your friend?”

  “What about her?”

  “I meant, would you crash with her?”

  “Um, no.” At this point her only hope was to tap into the connection she and Dara once had, but they were light years away from that kind of milestone. “Most definitely not.”

  Kellan leaned in to kiss her, but Ashleigh pulled back. “Hold on. Who is this friend? An ex?”

  “No. Nothing like that.” Even though it wasn’t a lie, this seemed like the wrong time to break down the details.

  “Who is it?”

  “Her name is Dara. We were friends in the Army. I’ve been meaning to reach out to her, but it just so happens I’d rather spend every waking moment with you.” Technically the truth, but she hoped it came off as cute.

  “What am I going to do with you?” Ashleigh pulled her in close, kissing her face repeatedly before she found her lips.

  “Honestly, whatever you want.”

  The kiss that followed was deep and soft, and they were both a little breathless when it ended.

  “We should eat something,” Ashleigh said. “Since we lounged the afternoon away.”

  “Are you upset we didn’t do anything exciting today?”

  “For the record, I completely disagree.” Ashleigh kissed her lightly and slipped under her arms, hopping off the counter.

  “I never asked how things went with Shauna at brunch. Are you two all made up?”

  “Yep. We good.” She opened the pantry cabinet to assess its contents. “Speaking of Shauna…” She closed the cupboard. “Her wedding is a week and a half away.”

  “I know. Is she excited?”

  “She’s ready. You’re still going to come with me, right?” Ashleigh shuffled back and forth, like she was nervous. “I know I asked you a while back, and I should have brought it up again before now.”

  “Of course I’m coming with you. If I remember correctly”—she tapped her chin in jest—“there was a promise I’d even get lucky.”

  Ashleigh rolled her eyes but clearly enjoyed the banter. “I was wondering how you’d feel about going out a day or two early. The vineyards are supposed to be beautiful. I’ve been out there before, but mostly to the Hamptons. I’ve never been to the wine country. I’d love to see it with you. The place where Shauna’s getting married looks amazing, and I could book a few extra days.”

  “That sounds awesome.”

  “Great. I’ll make us a reservation later. Now, what are we going to eat?” She sauntered to the fridge and bent over to look in. Kellan took one look at her ass on display covered by the scant pink fabric and came up behind her.

  “I have no food,” she whispered as she held Ashleigh’s hips and pressed against her bottom.

  “I see that.” Ashleigh leaned all the way back, giving her access to explore her body. She reached behind her and pulled Kellan into a searing kiss. “Why don’t you order us some Thai and meet me in the shower.” Ashleigh held on to her hand as she started backing away.

  “Thai does not take that long to get here.”

  Ashleigh took her shirt off and dropped it to the floor. Her eyes held devious invitation. “I guess we better be fast then.”

  Chapter Twenty

  New York in August was a hot, humid mess.

  Ashleigh swore it was a heat wave that would pass, but four days of ninety-plus temps, and Kellan was ready to send up a white flag to Mother Nature. The last few trips to Manhattan were soupy at best, leaving them vying for the shower the second they made it back to her apartment. Today they’d opted to stay local, chilling in bed until midday before a leisurely walk in the park. Kellan won the coin toss and was sitting on the sofa freshly showered and cooling off when Aunt Holly’s video call came through.

  “Aunt Holly. So good to see your face. How’s…London?”

  Kellan furrowed her brow, all but admitting she forgot which city her aunt was currently residing in. Despite frequent communication about Blue, the apartment, and Aunt Holly’s travels, in the moment she drew a blank.

  “I’m actually in Dublin right now.”

  “Damn. I was close.”

  “I think the people of Ireland might disagree with that statement.”

  Kellan held one finger up. “Good point.” They laughed together and Kellan adjusted the angle of her phone, so Aunt Holly could see her fur baby perched on the back of the couch not far from her head. “Hey, Blue, you see Mommy?”

  “Hi, baby Blue. I miss you so much,” Aunt Holly crooned and pouted at the same time. Blue licked his paw and rubbed his face with it.

  “He misses you, I swear.”

  “I’m sure.” She shrugged. “You’re probably spoiling him rotten.”

  “Like you don’t.”

  Aunt Holly winked in response. “He’s so perfect. It’s hard not to.”

  “Agreed. He’s a good little guy.” She reached back and was happy when Blue let her pet him. “Did you get my message the other day? About Blue and going away? I don’t want to do anything you’re not comfortable with.”

  A day earlier she had emailed Aunt Holly, explaining about Long Island. It would mean leaving Blue home from Friday to Sunday morning, and while she was confident Olivia across the hall would be willing to pick up the slack, she didn’t want to do anything without her aunt’s express permission.

  “Oh, honey, it’s all worked out already.” S
he gave a dismissive wave. “I talked to Olivia yesterday. She’s crazy for Blue, and let me tell you, the feeling is mutual. You think we spoil him? He’s probably going to eat nothing but treats for two days.”

  “Are you sure, Aunt Hol?”

  “Of course. Tell you the truth, Olivia was my backup plan for the entire summer. But when your mom offered your services, I jumped on it.” In the background Kellan heard the shower water shut off and knew it meant Ashleigh would emerge soon. “So, tell me, how’s the summer going?”

  “It’s good.”

  “You seeing some of New York?”

  “Yeah. For sure.”

  Ashleigh tiptoed past in a towel, putting a finger over her lips, signaling she realized Kellan was on a call.

  “So your mom says you have some hot girlfriend who’s showing you all around.”

  Out of camera range, Ashleigh obviously overheard and did a little dance that included a cheer for herself.

  “She tells you everything, huh?”

  “We’re sisters, so yeah.”

  Kellan tried hard to keep her focus on the camera and not naked Ashleigh in the background. Ashleigh seemed intent on torturing her and gave her butt a wiggle, then turned around and flashed her. Kellan stifled a giggle at her antics. Aunt Holly’s lips were still moving, but she hadn’t heard a word.

  “Sorry, what was that? You froze for a second,” she lied.

  “Willow said this is some woman from the Army you knew. That you had a big mysterious falling out with? Is that right?”

  “No, no, no.” Leave it to her flaky aunt to get the details wrong. “This is somebody different.”

  “Ooh, a summer fling. That sounds exciting. It almost makes me miss dating,” she said offhandedly. “Anyway, what’s going on with the Army woman? Your mother seemed to think she was pretty important. She even went so far as to say she thought that might be the reason you were so eager to come to Brooklyn. I told her it was to avoid her hovering over you.” She was cracking herself up overseas, but Kellan only registered Ashleigh hearing every word loud and clear across the room.

  “Uh, nothing is going on with Dara. I haven’t gotten in touch with her yet.”

  “Kellan! What are you waiting for? I’ll be back in a few weeks. I’m not kicking you out. Obviously. You’re welcome to stay as long as you want. But your mom seemed to think this Dara person was pretty special. I’m sure you’d like some time to really reconnect and not feel rushed. Life is scary, believe me, I know. Take the risk.”

  Aunt Holly and her mother were two peas in a pod, always seizing the day and living in the moment. Little did they know, she was actually following their mantra. Only with Ashleigh.

  “Yeah. It’s on my list. Promise.”

  “Okay. Well, don’t wait too long.”

  She nodded but a few feet away she saw Ashleigh’s face fall.

  “Oh, and Kellan, don’t worry about giving Olivia a key. She’s already got one. Have a fantastic time at your wedding.”

  “Thanks, Aunt Holly.” She mustered a smile. “I’ll talk to you soon.”

  “Okay, kiddo. Give my boy beaucoup kisses for me.”

  “I will.”

  “Bye, honey.”

  She waved good-bye and ended the call with a click. When she stood up from the couch, she saw Ashleigh stuffing her clothes into her overnight bag with attitude.

  “Hey, hey, hey.” Kellan came up behind her and looped her arms around her waist, but Ashleigh pushed her away. “I can explain those comments.”

  “You mean how there’s this super-special person in your life that your whole family knows you came to New York to reconnect with?” Ashleigh took a step away and faced her. “Are we going to talk about how we share just about everything, but I’m in the dark here?” She zipped her bag angrily. “No thanks.”

  “Sit down. Calm down.”

  “No.” She hooked her bag over her shoulder. “I think I should go.”

  “Ash, please?” She reached for her hands, wanting so desperately to touch her. “Please don’t run away from me. It’s not what you think. Aunt Holly is confused.”

  “Is she, though? From the sound of it, your mom also thinks Dara is the greatest thing since sliced bread. You must have said something that made them think she’s so important to you.”

  “She is.” She looked up at the ceiling fan and took a deep breath. She touched Ashleigh’s hips with her fingertips. “Come sit with me?”

  Ashleigh put her bag down and took her hand, her defenses seeming to drop. “I will if you talk to me. Tell me what this woman is to you. Because right now, I’m feeling pretty out of the loop.” Kellan sat on the couch and rubbed the tops of her knees, trying to figure out exactly how to start. Ashleigh reached over and held her hand. “It’s okay. Just be honest with me.”

  “I haven’t lied to you. I swear,” she started. “I met Dara when I was young. Maybe twenty, I guess.” She calculated the years in her head. “The Army was an interesting place. Great people. Some real jerks. I guess a mirror of the world, really. Our units were stationed in tandem for a long time. Even though she’s a bit older than I am, we clicked.” She shrugged. “I don’t really know how to describe it.” Kellan racked her brain trying to come up with good examples, but nothing popped in her head. She wanted Ashleigh to understand their connection. She needed her to. Instead of continuing to overthink it, she went from the gut and hoped it made sense. “Dara and I had the same mindset. The same humor. Being away from home for so long can be lonely. I didn’t feel alone when she was around. We talked about everything. Our lives, our families, our dreams. I don’t know how to describe it better than that.”

  “But it wasn’t romantic?”

  “It wasn’t. I promise.”

  “Was it like having a sister?”

  “Not having a sister, I guess I can’t honestly say. But it did feel different than a family connection. Dara felt like the other half of me, if that makes any sense.”

  Ashleigh nodded, seeming to take it all in. “So what happened that you two stopped talking?”

  How the fuck was she going to explain this without giving all the particulars? She chewed her lip, searching for the most honest account. “Let’s see. Dara’s husband is an asshole. Her ex-husband, I should say.” That was one hundred percent true. Stick to facts, she reminded herself as she continued. “I had a detail in the States. Twelve years ago. I was in DC, and we got some leave time. I drove up here to see her.”

  “And?”

  “We had a nice visit at first. She had a little girl who was about a year old at the time. But she and her husband were having problems. That much was obvious.”

  “Because of you?”

  “No. I mean, not really. Although my being there didn’t help any. Ronnie never liked me. He was always threatened by the closeness Dara and I had, even though there was no reason to be.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Please don’t be like that, Ash.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry.” Ashleigh held a hand to her forehead and seemed legitimately stressed. “It’s just, what if it wasn’t romantic for you, but it was for her? I see the way women look at you. Half the time I can’t even believe you’re with me. And you just said she’s divorced now. And your whole family is rooting for her.”

  Kellan couldn’t help but smile despite the seriousness of the conversation. “My family doesn’t even know her. And trust me, they’re going to love you.” Kellan already knew she did, and if the timing hadn’t been so awkward, she would have said it right then and there.

  “So what happened? With you and Dara and the husband.”

  “It was a mess.” She rubbed her face, reliving the stress from the weekend over a decade ago. “They were in a bad place. Ronnie pulled me aside. He basically asked me to leave. Like, walk out of Dara’s life. He even offered me money.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He gave me some nonsense that as long as I was around, he would never
live up to Dara’s expectations. He wanted to make their family work. They’d tried for a very long time to have a baby. That had finally come to fruition. He wrote me a fat check to go away.”

  “What?”

  “I didn’t take it. Obviously. But I thought, here’s a guy who is so desperate he’s willing to pay me to be gone. And it was a lot of cash. So much that I wondered if Dara knew about it and if she felt the same. I don’t know. None of it made sense.”

  “And you haven’t talked to her since then?”

  “She reached out to me a few times. Early on. I avoided her. I know it sounds crazy. I wanted whatever was best for her. What if she was too afraid to tell me to go? I wanted to spare her that pain. And even though none of us understood it, she was head over heels for Ronnie. She had to want her family to work. I guess there was a part of me that wondered if Ronnie was right. That I was in the way. I realize it’s stupid now.” Talking about it reopened the wound, and she realized that over the years, she’d even avoided thinking about their rift, as kind of a self-defense. “My unit went back overseas, making it impossible to see her anyway. I still missed talking on the phone, Skyping, emails, all of it. I learned to cope.”

  “Did you come to Brooklyn to find her?”

  “I was coming anyway, once my mom asked me to pitch in. But yeah, it factored into my decision for sure.” There was no denying it. And she didn’t want to lie to Ashleigh, even if she wasn’t giving every last detail. Deep down she knew there were parts of the story that simply weren’t hers to tell. So she chose to be honest by revealing the truth of what she felt. “I miss her. And if she misses me even half as much, with so much time having passed, I thought we could maybe give our friendship another chance.”

  “And now she’s divorced. I bet that helps.” Ashleigh leaned close and rested a hand on her thigh.

  “I didn’t even know that until Liam told me a few weeks ago.”

  “Why haven’t you called her?”

  She reached down and held Ashleigh’s hand. “It’s a combination of things, really.” She touched Ashleigh’s smooth pink nail polish. “I guess part of me is scared. But also, as important as Dara is to me, I didn’t want to lose any time with you.”