Like now, she realized, as she picked up her phone to see the text that had just pinged through from Hannah.
My place tonight. Small gathering for Chris. Bring wine and your smiling face.
Kelsey blew out a breath. She wasn’t really up for a party, though it was Friday night and “small gathering” sounded harmless. Ree would probably be there, and she hadn’t seen her in a while. And even though Hannah was actively looking for an apartment now, she still lived at home. Which meant Liz would most likely be around. Kelsey hadn’t seen her since the dinner last month and she was less excited about that. But the gathering was for Chris, presumably to welcome her and introduce her to the group.
“And probably recruit her for the softball team,” Kelsey said quietly, joking.
“Recruit who?” Stephanie Bradley stuck her head around the green fabric of the cubicle wall and grinned at Kelsey.
“Nobody. Just talking to myself.” Kelsey smiled at her new boss.
“I think geniuses do that, talk to themselves. Isn’t that what they say? I do it, so...” Stephanie handed over a sheet of paper as Kelsey chuckled. “Here’s a new store that opened up in Aurora. Give them a call?”
“Will do.” Kelsey nodded and took the paper. As she scanned it, she felt Stephanie still standing there, and she glanced up, raising her eyebrows.
“You’re doing great, Kelsey. I just wanted you to know. I know closing your store was hard, but...I’m glad you came on board.” Stephanie gave Kelsey’s shoulder a squeeze and went back to her own office.
Okay, that felt good, not gonna lie.
Kelsey had battled some mild and unexpected depression after closing Common Scents, and she worried she wouldn’t be able to throw herself into this new job. But she’d done okay, apparently. And she liked it. The products were high-quality, they smelled amazing, and selling cruelty-free items was almost a no-brainer. She’d found herself sucked into doing research and learning all she could, and before she knew it, she felt better. Which seemed odd, as it had only been a couple of weeks. She was given a handful of existing customers and a list of possible customers for her to cold call. She surprised herself by jumping right into the cold calls first, and after her third day at her new job, she’d set up six appointments for herself. Maybe this was what she was meant to be doing after all.
An e-mail came later that day letting the sales reps know there were some new scents in the conference room for them to smell, try out, and give their opinions on. This was the second time since Kelsey had been there that she’d been invited to check out the new products, and it had quickly become a favorite aspect of her job. She was the only one in the room when she got there, and spotted the six bottles on the table. Three lotions and three body fragrance sprays. Kelsey picked up each one. The Lavender Vanilla was really nice. Nothing new or earth-shattering. Rather, a fairly common scent combination, but a winner nonetheless. Sandalwood Musk was also pleasant, if not a tiny bit masculine for Kelsey. The third one was called School’s Out for the Summer. It held notes of coconut, sunshine, and what Kelsey was sure was a tiny hint of chlorine. She closed her eyes and inhaled slowly, took in as much as she could. It actually smelled a little bit like a swimming pool...
And just like that, Kelsey was transported back to that night, to Theresa’s pool. The star-sprinkled sky above them, the underwater lighting illuminating just enough of Theresa’s body, the warm softness of the water, the smooth nylon of that white swimsuit under Kelsey’s fingertips, the heat from Theresa’s body, her hands, her mouth...
Kelsey’s breath shuddered slightly as she let it out. “God,” she whispered.
“You like that one?” a voice from behind her said, scaring the crap out of her.
Kelsey turned, one hand pressed to her chest to see Dina, another sales rep, smiling at her.
“Did I startle you? I’m sorry. My mother always told me I move like a cat.” Dina reached around Kelsey and picked up the bottle of the School’s Out for the Summer body fragrance spray, gave it a sniff. “Not bad.” She sniffed again. “Smells like summer vacation. Which I suppose is the point, huh?” She laughed and Kelsey joined her, albeit less enthusiastically, as she was a little miffed at being yanked from her reverie. With a sigh, she headed back to her desk, but for the next hour, couldn’t get that lovely little flashback out of her head. She picked up her phone and stared at it for a long moment.
“Screw it,” she finally muttered as she began typing.
Just smelled a new lotion that flashed me right back to your swimming pool...
Kelsey knew if she hesitated even an extra second, she wouldn’t send it, so she hit Send before she could think about. Almost immediately, she made a little yelp of horror and dropped her phone onto her desk with a clatter, the panicked phrase “What have I done?” ripping through her brain like a hacksaw. She picked the phone back up, tossed it into a desk drawer, and slammed it shut. Eyes closed, she shook her head back and forth while wondering why Apple hadn’t yet created a Wait! I Take it Back! button for retrieval of texts that should never have been sent.
It took a great deal of effort, but Kelsey threw herself into work, making calls and setting up appointments, and after about an hour, she’d completely forgotten about the text. Until she opened her drawer to grab a stapler and saw her phone sitting there. When she picked it up, the screen came to life and let her know there was a text waiting. Holding the phone in her hand for what felt like hours, Kelsey forced herself to just breathe. Finally, finally, she clicked the text open.
Sadly, the pool is closed now. But I’ve had the same flashback. More than once. Have you gotten any winter clothes yet? You’re gonna need ’em...
Kelsey’s eyebrows shot up into her hairline. Theresa’s had the same flashback? Theresa thought about them in the pool? More than once? Kelsey wasn’t sure what to do with this new information, and the tightening in her stomach that it caused was both delicious and a little alarming. She took a moment, reread the text again and again. And again. And once more.
There was a question in there. Theresa had asked if Kelsey had gotten any winter clothes. A question meant an answer was expected, right? Why wouldn’t Kelsey’s brain work? She rubbed her fingers against her forehead, willing her thoughts to clear. She set the phone down on her desk and stared at it. She toyed with the ring on her forefinger and stared some more.
A question needs an answer. Expects an answer.
Phone back in her hand, she typed.
I have not and I’m freezing!
This time, the response came in an instant, as if Theresa was waiting, phone in hand, much like Kelsey.
My offer to shop with you still stands.
“It does?” Kelsey didn’t mean to say it out loud, but she was so surprised that it slipped out. Surprised and...a little giddy, if she was going to be honest. What was happening here?
Kelsey looked up from her phone and glanced around. Her cubicle walls were low enough that she could see over the top if she lifted her chin a smidge. Everybody was busy. She could see Stephanie in her office on the phone. The gentle hum of conversation traveled through the open area like a soft breeze, other reps on calls with their clients. Kelsey should be doing the same thing. A little preoccupied here, she thought as she wrinkled her nose.
This was a big step. Kelsey realized that as she reread the text. Theresa was putting herself out there; she was obviously much braver than Kelsey. Theresa had extended an invitation and had no way of knowing how Kelsey would respond. That was gutsy. And impressive. And sexy somehow.
I would like to take you up on that.
Again, Kelsey hit Send before she could second-guess herself.
Waiting for a response was the hardest part. If Theresa didn’t answer right away, it could mean many things. It could mean she was only being polite and she didn’t actually want to go shopping with Kelsey. It could mean she got called into a meeting. It could mean she had an appointment. It could mean she was on the phone. It could mea
n she was in the ladies’ room. So many possibilities, most of which were not Theresa avoiding the conversation. But that didn’t matter. Kelsey’s mind was already sprinting down the hall toward the room marked The Worst Possible Option. She was saved, though, when her phone pinged.
Tomorrow?
One word. One question.
Yes! This time, there was no hesitation on Kelsey’s part.
There’s a place I know near my house. Pick me up at noon?
Was this a date? Was it an official date? Because...they probably should talk about some things, right? Kelsey shook the worries free. For now, she wanted to bask in the giddiness she used to feel when talking to Theresa.
I’ll be there.
And then bask, she did. She sat back in her chair and grinned like she knew something nobody else did.
Was it tomorrow yet?
***
By nine o’clock that night, Kelsey was thankful she’d agreed to go to the party for Chris because she knew if she hadn’t, she’d be sitting home, bouncing off the walls with nervous energy that would have flooded her system in anticipation of seeing Theresa tomorrow. This way, she was surrounded by friends, her attention was taken up by something other than tomorrow, and the time went by much faster than if she’d been at home alone.
Hannah had invited about a dozen people, including Chris and herself, most of whom made it. Liz had been flitting around the kitchen all evening, helping with drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and she’d been nothing but friendly and warm to Kelsey. So there was that.
There were about nine people gathered in Hannah’s mother’s dining room, six of them seated around the table playing poker. Kelsey was terrible at poker and Ree hated it, so they’d opted to sit this one out, relaxing on the loveseat in the attached living room where they could both watch the card game and chat with each other.
“How’re you doing, kid?” Ree asked quietly as they watched each player fold or bet. “I know closing your shop must’ve sucked.”
Kelsey scoffed. “Did it ever. I mean, I knew it would. I expected it to. But when the time came, it was harder than I’d prepared for. I stood behind the counter in the dark and just cried.”
“Aw, you poor thing.” Ree patted her leg, the warmth in her voice genuine and kind and yet another reminder of how much Kelsey liked her. “And how’s the new job?”
“Oh, you mean the one that fell right into my lap?” Kelsey laughed.
“That one, yes.”
“It’s good. I like it a lot. It’s a good company that makes a good product.”
“Can’t ask for much more than that.” Ree sipped from her red Solo cup and they watched the poker action for a few moments. Chris seemed to be raking in the chips to teasing cries of the game being rigged.
“No, you really can’t.” Kelsey had brought a lovely Cabernet and sipped from her glass now, letting the smooth red coat her tongue before swallowing it. A burst of laughter shot up from the table and though Kelsey didn’t know what had happened, the sound was contagious. Soon she and Ree were both chuckling along.
“And how’s the rest of you?” Ree asked once the group had refocused on their cards.
“The rest of me?”
“Yeah. You know, the non-work parts.” Ree’s eye contact was just this side of intense, as if she was trying to telepathically clue Kelsey in on what she was really asking.
Kelsey simply raised an eyebrow.
“I heard about Theresa.”
Kelsey sighed quietly. “Yeah, Hannah never misses an opportunity to slam her.”
“Sounds like this time, it was warranted?” It was a question, and Ree seemed to honestly be looking for Kelsey’s response.
“I thought so, initially, but...” Kelsey took a sip of wine, recalled how hard she’d been on Theresa. “I maybe jumped the gun a bit. Was harsher than I should’ve been.”
“Interesting,” Ree said, sipping from her Solo cup, her eyes never leaving Kelsey’s, obviously waiting for more information.
“We’re going shopping tomorrow.”
Ree’s brow furrowed. “You and Hannah?”
“Me and Theresa.”
The shift of Ree’s eyebrows from furrowed to springing up into her hairline was almost comical, and Kelsey smiled at the sight. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“I’m going to need details. Stat.” Kelsey grinned as Ree snuggled herself more comfortably into the cushions of the love seat, shifted her body so she was fully facing Kelsey, and propped her chin in her hand. “Tell me.”
So Kelsey did. In hushed tones, she told Ree everything. She wasn’t sure if Ree knew about the two weeks of unanswered texts and other correspondence, but she was sure that Chris probably told Hannah. If Hannah knew, Kelsey had no doubt she’d passed it along, grabbing onto any chance to badmouth her half-sister. So she told Ree all of it, right up to yesterday’s text session.
Ree listened quietly through the whole story, never interrupting, never interjecting her own opinion. She kept her eyes riveted to Kelsey’s and simply nodded here and there. When Kelsey finished, Ree seemed to take a few moments to absorb it all before she finally spoke.
“Well.” She took a healthy gulp from her cup, finishing her drink. “I have two things to say to you. One: I did not see that coming. And two: go, you.”
“Really?” Kelsey was surprised. “I kind of got the impression most of Hannah’s crew doesn’t like Theresa.”
“If it was up to Hannah, we wouldn’t. Luckily, I have my own mind and can form my own opinions. I don’t know Theresa well, but I’ve always thought she was nice. Also? Girl is hot.” Ree gave a snort. “Like I have to tell you that.”
Kelsey held up a hand, palm out. “I’m trying to go into this tomorrow with no expectations. None.” She lowered her voice. “And I haven’t told anybody but you, so...”
“My lips are sealed.” Ree twisted an imaginary key in front of her lips, then tossed it over her shoulder.
“I have no idea what will happen and I don’t want to jinx it.” Trying to portray nonchalance, Kelsey gave a half-shrug. “We’re just doing this as friends. I need winter stuff and she was born here, so she’s going to be my guide.”
Ree gave her a knowing look, but said nothing other than, “Mm-hmm.”
“I mean it.” And Kelsey did, despite being fully aware of what she really hoped would happen tomorrow...
CHAPTER NINETEEN
SATURDAY DAWNED GRAY AND cold, perfect weather to shop for cold-weather gear. Instead of being lulled into melancholy by the overcast skies, Kelsey was smiling, chipper, almost giddy. She needed to be careful of that, she kept reminding herself. She and Theresa had a lot of baggage now, which seemed almost ridiculous, given their short stint of almost-togetherness.
Choosing what to wear on this shopping excursion had proven an exercise in frustration because nothing seemed quite right. She didn’t want to overdress, thereby giving the opinion that this was possibly a date and she was trying to be impressive. On the other hand, she didn’t want to be too casual, as she—admittedly—wanted Theresa to find her attractive and to know she’d put in at least some effort.
She’d settled on tasteful simplicity by going with a dark pair of jeans, a cream V-neck sweater, and a lightweight scarf in a multitude of blues. Out of the shower, she’d used Earthly Products’s Sugared Pumpkin Latte lotion because it smelled warm and inviting, and that’s exactly what she wanted to exude to Theresa. With as much subtlety as she could.
Kelsey had barely gotten the car shifted into Park when Theresa came out her front door, down the steps, and across the front lawn. She pulled the passenger side door open, sat down, blew out a breath, and turned those gorgeous blue eyes on Kelsey.
“Hey,” she said quietly and with a smile.
“Hey.” Kelsey did her best to rein in the goofy grin that wanted to bust out across her face. She only half-succeeded. “You look great.” She did. Her blond hair was a little longer than Kelsey remember
ed, the waves turning gently on themselves as they reached past Theresa’s shoulders. Her jeans were faded and looked super soft. She wore a puffy down jacket in a muted eggplant color with with white gloves and a white scarf.
“Thank you,” Theresa said with a grin and a very light blush. “So do you. And you smell amazing.”
Kelsey’s turn to blush. “Thanks. It’s my job.”
“But, yeah, that jacket will never get you through a Chicago winter.” She fingered the sleeve of Kelsey’s lightweight nylon jacket with the thin flannel lining. “You’ll have pneumonia before Thanksgiving.”
Something about the combination of Theresa’s touch and the concern in her voice made Kelsey feel...very content. Too content. Like this was how it should be. Trying not to let that thought run away with her, she cleared her throat. “You’re the boss. Where are we headed?”
Theresa quietly directed her as they drove, pointing here and telling her to turn there, until they pulled into the parking lot of Jig’s Sporting Goods. It was surprisingly large and designed to look like a giant log cabin from the outside.
“Wow,” Kelsey said as they exited the car. “How have I never heard of this place? It’s enormous.”
“You have to know a local,” Theresa said with a wink. “Come on.”
Kelsey decided walking slightly behind Theresa was a very smart choice, though she did her best not to openly stare at her behind, but man, it was hard.
When they reached the front door, Theresa pulled it open and waved Kelsey in. “After you, ma’am.”
“Oh, I’m ‘ma’am’ now. Terrific.”
Theresa chuckled and followed Kelsey in. “Okay, I’m going to tell you what I’m thinking and then you can correct me or add things or whatever. Okay?”
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