by Lydia Rose
“Get out of here. I’ve never heard that before.” Then Nadine thought if that’s true, she was in trouble. “You mean to tell me I’m going to have to wait to go to bed with her?”
“Yep.”
“Don’t sound so smug. I may just have to borrow your wife to help me with this frustration.”
“You wish.”
“Then I’m going to get really friendly with my vibrator.”
Amber became serious. “Are you in love with her?”
“No,” she said quickly. “Maybe infatuated, but not love.”
“Well, I think she is in love with you.”
Nadine thought about Amber’s words. “We haven’t known each other that long.”
“I think for her it was love at first sight,” Amber asserted, “and it is definitely more than infatuation on her part.”
“She hasn’t even called me today,” Nadine admitted.
“Call her when I hang up. She’s waiting for you to call her.”
“You think so?”
“Yes, woman. Call her.”
Nadine quickly dried off and put her robe on. She plopped on the bed and called her. Kim answered on the first ring.
“Hi.”
“Hi, yourself. How is your leg?” Nadine asked in a husky voice.
“Better today. How was your day?”
“Busy. Oh, the leftovers were just as good today as yesterday,” she sighed. “I just got out of a bubble bath.”
“Are you trying to have phone sex with me?” Kim asked chuckling.
“Maybe. Do you want to play?” Nadine asked lowering her voice.
“Your voice is enough to set me off, but when we make love I want to see your face. I want you to know it’s me.”
Nadine let out a deep sigh. “Soon?”
“Soon,” she answered laughing.
“Soon can’t come soon enough for me, Kim.”
“I know, sweetie. Soon.”
“Then I better let you go before your voice gets me more aroused than I am.”
“Good night, Nadine.”
“Sweet dreams, Kim.”
“Always.”
CHAPTER 13
The following morning, Nadine’s cell rang before she left for work. Looking down at the screen she automatically smiled. “Good morning.”
“Morning, Nadine,” Kim said tenderly.
“Do you want to come to dinner tonight?” Nadine asked easily.
“I’m sorry, but I can’t,” Kim answered and before she could get another word out-
“That’s okay. Maybe we can do it another day. I better finish getting ready for work,” she said wanting to end the call.
“Wait, Nadine. I can’t come over because I’m leaving for Florida. I’m at the airport already.” Her voice now was filled with emotion. “My grandmother had a stroke.”
“Oh, Kim. I’m so sorry. Is she going to be okay?” Nadine asked now feeling like a heel.
“I’m not sure. Can I call you when I get back?”
“No. Please call me tonight and let me know how she is doing,” Nadine demanded. “Are your parents going?”
“They are already down there.”
“Call me Kim, and if you need me to come down for you, I will.”
Kim was now wiping at her face and the tears that had fallen. She never expected Nadine to offer. “I will. Thank you, Nadine.”
“Remember, call me anytime.”
“I will. I’m going to miss you,” Kim admitted.
“I’ll miss you too. I…” Nadine began, but closed her mouth. She didn’t need to say the words and add any other problems to Kim’s worries. “I’ll be here for you,” she said instead.
“Thank you.”
Kim walked into her grandmother’s hospital room and walked over to the bed without greeting her parents. “Hi, Gran. I’m here.” She didn’t see her mother roll her eyes.
“I’m surprised you came down,” her mother said sarcastically. “Your sister and brother couldn’t get the time from work. They are going to save the time in case she doesn’t pull through.”
Kim spun on her heels ready to argue with her mother, but instead her grandmother opened her eyes. “Hi, Gran. I came to see you. So why don’t you get out of that bed and visit with me.” Her grandmother gave a smile that came out as a sneer because of the stroke. She held her grandmother’s tiny hand. “I love you,” she said and heard her mother groan. Her grandmother was the only one that knew of her financial windfall and she sent her grandmother money every month to ease her financial burden. Her grandmother kept her secret and she popped down to Florida several times a year to spend time with her. The thought of losing her was overwhelming because Kim knew when she was gone, it would rip her apart. The old woman’s eyes closed again and Kim took a seat.
“How long are you staying?” her father asked without emotion.
“As long as necessary.” Kim watched as her mother shook her head.
“You’ll lose your job. Your father can only stay a few days before he has to get back to work.”
Kim ignored her mother’s comment and continued to watch her grandmother sleep. The three of them sat there until visiting hours were over.
“Are you going to sleep on your grandmother’s couch?” her mother asked knowing there was only one bedroom.
“No, I’ve booked a hotel,” Kim answered and walked to the exit anxious to hear Nadine’s voice.
“How is she?” Nadine asked when she answered the call.
“Stable at the moment. I spoke with her doctor and he said they are monitoring her, hoping she doesn’t have another stroke.”
“I’m so sorry, Kim. I wish I could be there with you.”
“It’s okay. She could be like this for a while or I’m praying she’ll get better.”
“I’ll be praying for her too, Kim.”
“Thanks.”
“Have you eaten?”
“I grabbed something in the cafeteria this afternoon. I’m not really hungry.”
“Please don’t end up in a bed beside your grandmother.”
Kim let out a strangled laugh. “I won’t. I’m beat, Nadine.”
“I know you are, sweetheart. Get some rest and call me when you can.”
“I will. Good night.”
“Good night.”
Kim hit the end button and plopped onto the bed. “Did she just call me sweetheart?” she asked the empty room. Her brain felt like mush, but she could hear the emotion in Nadine’s voice. She cared and it showed in her voice. She closed her eyes and fell asleep without changing her clothes.
CHAPTER 14
The next two days were spent in relative quiet in Kim’s grandmother’s room. The only time her mother spoke to her was when her father left the room.
“Isn’t it about time you stop this nonsense and find the right man to marry?”
Kim let out a breath and didn’t answer her mother. She was afraid if she opened her mouth she would say things that she could never take back.
“Your sister and brother have successful careers and both have someone special in their life. You’re not a kid anymore.” Alice didn’t look at her daughter as she spoke. “Your grandmother made you feel that living like this,” she said waving her hand in the air, “is acceptable. Well, it’s not.”
“Yes, Gram made me feel worthwhile. Something you could or would not do.” Kim couldn’t contain herself any longer. “After Gram is gone, I won’t listen to your insults.” Kim took a deep breath. “Until that time, keep your mouth closed.”
Her father came back into the room and Kim stopped talking. She got up and left the room without saying a word. She used the time to get something to eat and send a text to Nadine. “I miss you,” Kim typed.
“I miss you too. Any change with your grandmother?”
“None. Had to leave the room before I strangled my mother.”
“I could come down.”
“It isn’t necessary, Nadine. I don’t know how l
ong I’ll be here.”
“Are you sure?”
Kim wanted to tell her she loved her for offering, but instead she typed, “Yes. I’ll call you tonight.”
“Please.”
Kim walked back up to her grandmother’s room. As she approached, she heard the commotion and began to run.
“Your grandmother had another stroke. Her heart stopped and she has a DNR on her chart. She’s gone.”
Her mother’s tears almost broke Kim’s resolve not to hold her mother, but she didn’t. Kim walked into the room and kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “I’ll always love you, Gran.” She left the room and stopped in front of her parents. “I want to pay for the funeral,” she said without looking at them.
“We aren’t going to have a viewing. Just a mass at St. Vincent’s and the burial.”
“I’ll take care of it. When do you want to have the ceremony?”
“Friday. Your father has to get back to work.” Kim nodded and left the hospital.
Kim drove to the funeral home her grandmother had chosen and made the arrangements. She now went back to the hotel. “She’s gone.” Kim typed sitting on the bed. Before her head hit the pillow her phone rang.
“I’m so sorry, honey.”
“Thanks. She went peacefully. Just the way she wanted to go.”
“When is the funeral?” Nadine asked holding back her own tears. Her heart was breaking because she wasn’t there to hold Kim in her time of need.
“Friday. It’s just a mass and the burial.”
“What church?”
“St. Vincent. Don’t send flowers, Nadine if that’s what you’re thinking.” Kim wiped her face with the back of her arm. “We need to talk when I get back.”
“When will you come home?”
“Saturday morning,” Kim sighed. “I’ll call you later if that’s okay.”
“Yes, of course.” Before the call ended, Nadine decided she had to tell her. She had to tell Kim that someone cared. Her breath seemed ragged. “Kim,” she began, “I just want you to know that I love you and you aren’t alone.” Nadine now heard the soft sobs coming from Kim. “I’m sorry for telling you over the phone, but I just wanted you to know.” The sobs lessened.
“I love you too, Nadine.” Kim took a deep breath. “Thank you for telling me.”
“I will tell you every day for the rest of my life, Kim. Go lie down and I’ll speak with you later.”
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you too, sweetheart. Bye.” The phone call ended and Nadine now shouted. “Arlene.”
*
Kim’s family was sitting in the first pew in the church. She sat behind them not feeling welcome to sit alongside her family.
The moment she walked into the church, Nadine saw her. Her head was slumped over and she walked toward her. Kim felt her presence as she stood next to the pew. Her head rose and she looked into the sad brown eyes. Kim couldn’t stop herself and let out a soft sob. Nadine took the seat next to her and wrapped her arms around her.
“I’m here, baby, I love you.” Nadine said into Kim’s hair. She continued to cry softly and held onto Nadine as if her life depended on it. The noise from the pew caused her family to turn and look at them. Her mother’s scowl told Nadine everything she needed to know about this woman. She pulled Kim closer to her and ignored them.
They followed the casket out of the church after the mass. “My car is in the parking lot,” Kim said still holding Nadine’s hand.
“I brought a driver.” She pulled Kim toward the town car. “You are in no condition to drive.” In the car, Nadine kissed Kim’s face softly until their lips crashed together.
“I can’t believe you are here,” Kim said leaning her head on Nadine’s shoulder.
“Of course, I’m here. I couldn’t let you go through your grandmother’s funeral by yourself.” Nadine’s arms wrapped around Kim and she pulled her closer, feeling her love for Kim overflowing in her heart.
Nadine stood behind Kim at the gravesite and rested her hands on Kim’s shoulders. She squeezed her shoulders as Kim softly cried. Then her brother Eric rested his hand on top of Kim’s and looked at Nadine with a smile. The priest said his prayers for her grandmother and then the ceremony was over. Nadine and Kim got up and walked toward the car, but Alice was close on their tails.
“I can’t believe you had the nerve to bring your whore to your grandmother’s funeral. The way you two behaved in the house of God. I’m ashamed of you.”
Kim’s face turned beet red with anger. She was about to open her mouth when Eric got to them. He led Kim and Nadine away from his mother. “She isn’t worth it, Kim.” He looked at Nadine and held out his hand. “I’m Eric.”
“Nadine,” she said, softly taking his hand.
“I’m glad you could be here for my sister.” His smile was gentle. “I can see the love you two have for each other.” He pulled Kim to him and whispered, “I’ll be in touch.” Kim nodded at his words. “Take care of her,” he said looking at Nadine.
“I will.” They walked back to the car.
“Eric is right,” Kim said taking Nadine’s hand. “I do love you.”
Nadine pulled Kim to her body. “I love you too, Kim.” They cried softly all the way back to the church’s parking lot.
CHAPTER 15
“Have you eaten today?” Nadine asked as she drove to the hotel.
Kim shook her head. “No.”
“Do you want to stop or order room service when we get to the room?” Nadine asked holding Kim’s hand tightly.
“Room service. I need to lie down for a while.”
“Whatever you need, sweetie.”
Nadine took over when they entered the room. She sat Kim on the edge of the bed and began to remove her clothes. “Are you trying to get me naked?” Kim asked with a slight grin.
“As much as I would love that, I think you need to get some rest.” Nadine went to the drawer and took out a t-shirt and sleeping shorts.
Kim’s hand came out and touched the fabric on Nadine’s skirt suit. “I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look.” The black suit fit Nadine perfectly and the white shirt with the ribbon tie showed off all her curves. “Would you lie down with me for a while?”
“Yes. I’ll change clothes and join you.” Nadine watched as Kim closed her eyes once she covered her with the thin sheet. “Sleep, baby,” she said kissing her forehead.
When Kim opened her eyes, Nadine was sitting there in a pair of jeans and a shirt. “How long have I been asleep?”
“About two hours. Are you ready for something to eat?” Nadine asked moving over to the side of the bed.
“Yeah, but nothing heavy.”
“How about a cup of soup and a grilled cheese?”
“Perfect,” Kim answered and pulled Nadine’s head down so she could kiss her lips. “Did you get any rest?” she asked throwing the sheet off her body.
“I did,” she answered smiling.
*
Back in New Jersey, Kim asked, “Will you spend the rest of the weekend with me?” The two women had spent the night together in Florida just holding each other and Kim needed more of that to get through this difficult time.
“I will. I’ll just go home and pack a few things. I made some soup which I’ll bring over for lunch.” They kissed and got into separate cars.
Kim walked into her house and went up the stairs to unpack her suitcase. The warmth of the house couldn’t take the chill out of her soul. Her grandmother was the last link to having a family and now she was gone. Her only hope was that her brother was serious when he said he would be in touch. It made her feel good that he seemed to accept Nadine in her life. She didn’t hold out any hope that her parents or her sister would ever accept her lifestyle. Kim walked toward the stairs and heard Nadine pull up to the house. She went right to the door and opened it for her. “Hi.”
“Hi, sweetie,” she said moving into the house with her overnight bag. Her coat came off a
nd she wrapped her arms around Kim leading her to the kitchen. “I brought this soup so let me heat it up for you.”
Once they were comfortably ensconced on the couch together, Kim asked, “We’re going to forget all this nonsense about our age difference, aren’t we?”
Nadine looked over her shoulder at Kim and smiled. “I’m going to take you at your word Kim that it doesn’t matter to you.”
“It doesn’t,” Kim said quickly.
Nadine flipped over so she was facing Kim. Her hand came up in a tender touch to Kim’s face. “I’ve been lying to myself for months that we were just friends, but I do love you. I realized when you were away and I had some time to think, that I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. It kind of snuck up on me.” Kim began to speak, but Nadine touched her lips with her finger so she could continue. “You have broken through all my barriers. I can’t believe that you have overlooked my age, my inflexibility regarding other’s people’s ambition and my materialism. You’ve made me want to be a better person. To help others instead of living a certain way.” She touched her lips to Kim’s. “Thank you and I will do everything possible not to disappoint you.” Kim sat up on the couch and climbed over Nadine. “Where are you going?” she asked, turning around on the couch.
Kim held out her hand. “It’s time.”
“Time for what?” Nadine asked looking at Kim’s smiling face. Kim tilted her head and returned the smile. “You mean now?”
“Yes, Nadine.”
“Hot damn,” Nadine said and jumped off the couch. As they climbed the stairs together holding hands, Nadine suddenly stopped. “Are you sure about this? You are in a very emotional place right now and I don’t want you to do this because you think it’s what I want. I do want this, but I can wait.” Kim didn’t answer. She pulled on Nadine’s hand until they reached the bedroom. Kim flipped on the night table lamp and began to undress Nadine. “I love you so much, Kim.”
“I love you too and I need to feel and be with you. All of you.” Kim looked at a naked Nadine standing in front of her. “You’re beautiful. I thought I imagined what you looked like, but my imagination didn’t do you justice. Not at all,” she said touching Nadine’s full breasts. “Sit down.”