by D G Barnes
Before she could suggest sitting in the car, Ellie spoke up. “There’s a small park just down the street. We could go there and sit.”
“Wonderful idea. Burn off the calories as we consume them,” Dana said holding out her arm. “Lead on McDuff.”
Ellie giggled as she walked. “If you were quoting Macbeth, you should have said, lay on McDuff. Common mistake.”
“I stand corrected. I didn’t realize you were versed in Shakespeare.”
“Not really.” Ellie peeled a piece of chocolate from her cone and popped it into her mouth. “We studied Macbeth in the last semester, and that quote or misquote, however you want to look at it, was a topic during one class.”
“Well, there ya go. Learned something new.”
When they reached the area Ellie had suggested, Dana saw it wasn’t really a park but a well-manicured area with small gravel paths meandering through beautifully flowering bushes. A few iron and wood benches were strategically placed around the grounds for visitors to relax on and enjoy the view. In the center of all this stood a tall granite monument with a bronze casting of a soldier on top. The war memorial was dedicated to the men of this town who had fought and died for their country.
They sat in silence, eating their ice cream. The sun, low on the horizon, painted the sky in beautiful hues of red and orange. Finishing her sundae, Dana wiped her mouth with one of the napkins she had pulled from a dispenser at the ice cream stand. “It is so peaceful here,” she said as a loud motorcycle passed.
“Well, when there’s no traffic it is,” Ellie amended with a chuckle. “I like to go to Birchwood when I write or draw. It is peaceful there, and no worries about noisy motorcycles.”
Dana looked over at her questioningly. “Birchwood?”
Ellie nodded as she pushed the remnant of her cone into her mouth. She held up a finger as she chewed and swallowed. “It’s a cemetery on the other side of town.”
“That’s not creepy at all.”
Ellie patted the seat beside her. “There is a bench just like this not too far from where my parents are buried.” She paused for a long moment. “I feel…I don’t know how to explain it. Safe? Like they’re there with me. I know, it sounds crazy…” She kicked a stone and watched it fly.
“It’s not crazy at all, Ellie. Dealing with loss is hard. If what you are doing gives you comfort, then who am I, or anyone else, to judge you for it.” Dana slid over to the teen and put an arm around her. “Mac told me about the accident. I am so sorry you had to experience such a thing.”
Ellie looked up at her. “Thanks, Dana. I appreciate that.” She went still and sat quiet for a moment. Dana wondered if she had upset her and felt guilty for it. Then Ellie straightened and turned to her. “Enough sad talk. Where to now?”
Relieved, Dana stood. “Back to the car, and then home I guess.”
“To the Batmobile!” Ellie exclaimed as she stood and pointed back the way they came.
What a wonderful girl. Dana wondered what her mother had been like and wished she could have met her. She was sure they would have gotten along.
Back on the sidewalk, they hadn’t gone far when the door to a small boutique opened a few meters in front of them. An older woman, dressed as if she was off to a high society soirée, stepped from the store. She stopped when she noticed Dana and Ellie approaching, and her expression changed quickly from surprise to… Was that anger she saw? Dana slowed her pace as the woman moved toward them.
“Hi, Nana,” Ellie chirped.
Dana released the breath she had been holding and relaxed. The woman looked back at Ellie, her lips pressed together forming a thin line.
“Ellie, darling. What are you doing here?” The woman glanced at Dana and eyed her suspiciously. “And who is this strange person you are with?”
“This is Dana Lawson. She’s my friend. Mac’s friend too. Dana is an author and is helping me with the story I am writing for the contest at the library. We were out for ice cream.”
“Oh, I see.” The woman turned to Dana.
“Dana, this is my grandmother, Doris. She’s my mom’s mom.”
Dana smiled and offered her hand. “A pleasure to meet you.” She lowered her hand after a moment when it was evident Doris wasn’t about to take it.
“Yes, I’m sure. You’re a friend of Taylor’s?” she asked, almost accusingly.
Dana raised an eyebrow. “If you mean Mac, then yes I am.”
Doris hmphed. “Are you like her? One of those types?”
“Nana!” Ellie said, shock on her face.
Dana knew how she felt. The question floored her as well.
“Hush, child. Don’t interrupt when I’m talking,” Doris snapped.
“Don’t speak to Ellie like that.” Dana knew she was overstepping, but the words spilled out before she could stop herself.
“I will speak to my granddaughter how I please, and I will thank you to mind your own business.” Doris glared at her, eyes flashing. “Now, you didn’t answer my question. Are you like her?”
Dana glared back. Her blood was boiling, and it took all she had not to throttle this woman. “Not that it is any of your business, but if by one of those types you mean a lesbian, then yes, I am. And if you have an issue with that, then I pity you.”
The corner of Doris’ lip twitched upward in a snarl. “I don’t need or want your pity,” she spat. “I want you to stay away from my granddaughter. She doesn’t need to be influenced by your kind any more than she already is.” She glared at her for a second longer, then turned on her heel and stalked off.
Dana stared dumbfounded at Doris’ retreating form, still trying to process what had happened. The feel of Ellie’s hand slipping into hers brought her attention back. Dana looked down at her hand and then to Ellie. A single tear ran down each cheek, and Dana’s heart broke.
“Oh, sweetie, don’t cry,” Dana said and wiped away the tears with her thumb.
“I’m so sorry she talked to you like that. I don’t know why she has such a hate on for lesbians.” Ellie sniffed. “You’re not going to stay away now, are you?”
“Not on your life.” Dana chuckled. “It’ll take a lot more than Cruella De Vil there to scare me off.” She gave Ellie a hug.
“Good. I like having you around. I know Mac does too,” she said with a grin.
A pleasant warmth washed over Dana at the words. “Thanks, that’s sweet. Now, let’s get you home.”
Ellie nodded, and they walked back to the little BMW still holding hands.
Chapter Eight
Dana groaned when she woke the next morning. Sleep had not come easy, and what little she did get was restless. The encounter with Doris had bothered her more than she thought. After she had said good night to Ellie, Dana dropped into The Rusty Anchor hoping to have a chat with Mac. The tavern, however, was hopping. Singing, which sounded more like a cat strangling, came from the stage where a pair of drunken patrons tried to impress the crowd with their poor karaoke skills. Both Mac and the other bartender on duty had their hands full keeping up with customers’ demands. Catching Mac’s attention, Dana let her know Ellie was home safe and then she said good night.
After a hot shower and a breakfast of yogurt and fresh fruit, Dana relaxed on the porch swing with a cup of coffee. It was another beautiful day. The sky was clear, and a gentle breeze rustled the branches of a nearby tree; it was all so peaceful, and Dana wondered what it would be like to live here year-round. There wasn’t anything holding her to the city, at least not job wise. Her brother was there, but he had his wife and kids. However, she would find it hard to be this far away from her best friend, and she knew Jenny would feel the same.
Her buzzing phone interrupted her thoughts. She snatched it up expecting to see Mac’s usual morning greeting. Instead, it was a text from Rhonda asking her to stop by the store when she had a moment. She noticed a missed text from Mac had come in shortly after 1:00 AM this morning. She had probably sent it after she closed the tavern for the
night. Dana laughed as she read it. Heard you met Doris. My sympathies. Call me when you wake. Miss you. She was glad for the excuse to call her, not that she needed one.
Mac answered on the second ring, and an entire squadron of butterflies took flight in her stomach. “Good morning. How is my favorite small business owner this fine day?”
“Better now,” Mac said. “I was beginning to wonder when you would call.”
“Miss me that much, huh?” She folded her legs underneath her.
“You know it.” Mac paused for a moment. “I’m sorry I couldn’t say goodnight to you properly last night, and of course for you having met Doris without warning.”
Dana snorted. It would have been nice to know what Doris was like before she had met her. “You’re forgiven. However, I’ll expect you to make it up to me.”
There was a long silence on the line, and Dana did a quick check of her phone to see if they had become disconnected. “Mac?”
“Hi. Sorry. Yeah, so are you available at say one o’clock?”
“Yes. Can I ask why?” She sat up, her curiosity piqued.
“Great. See you then,” Mac said then ended the call.
Dana looked down at the phone in her hand and frowned. “Curiouser and curiouser.”
An hour later and Dana opened the front door to Between the Covers. The small bell attached to the door chimed, alerting the occupants to her arrival. Rhonda looked over from where she stood at the cash register and gave her a friendly wave.
“Great! You’re here,” Ronda said excitedly as she came around the counter and met her halfway. “Dana, I think you are going to be pleased with the promotional material we had made up for your book signing.” She took Dana by the elbow and guided her to a room in the rear of the store. “Julie. Would you mind the cash for a while? Thanks,” Rhonda said as they passed a young woman who was busy unpacking a box of books.
On a long table, Rhonda had laid out samples for Dana to see. There were assorted sizes of posters and brochures. Dana walked over and examined a large poster with a picture of her displayed prominently in the center. There was also an image of her latest novel along with text promoting the fundraiser’s date, time, and location.
When Dana nodded her approval, Rhonda gave a quick clap. “Oh, good. I’m so glad you like them.”
“Yes, they’re wonderful,” Dana said. Seeing the joy on Rhonda’s face made her happy. “Where will the big posters go?”
“Here in the store, over at the library, and one at the community center. The smaller ones will be posted at all the shops and businesses around town,” Rhonda explained. “There will be a few radio spots too.”
“Well, it sounds like you have all the bases covered then. I may have to exercise my signing hand in preparation,” Dana said with a grin.
“Might be a good idea.
The two women turned and walked back to the front of the store. As they approached the counter, Dana grinned at the sight of a familiar person making a purchase.
“Joe,” she said, “fancy meeting you here.”
The older man turned and gave her a warm smile. “Well hello, lass. How are you?”
“I’m well, thanks.” She glanced at the book he had set on the counter. It was a copy of What the Heart Desires. “For you?” she asked, nodding her head toward the book.
He laughed. “No, lass, it is for my Cait.”
“Cait? That would be Mrs. Mackenzie?”
He nodded. “Aye, she is.” He handed the cashier a couple of bills. “Ellie has taken quite a shining to you and your writing, you know. Talks about you all the time.”
She couldn’t help but feel touched by the words. “That’s sweet.”
“She’s not the only one I think.”
“Oh?”
“Aye, lass. Mac seems to be smiling a whole lot more lately,” he said, taking his change from the girl. “Listen, come over to the house tomorrow night for supper. Cait would love to meet you.”
“Are you sure Mrs. Mackenzie won’t mind? Such short notice and all.” She didn’t want to refuse, but the request caught her completely off guard. This wasn’t the way she expected to meet the parents.
“Aye, I’m sure, and we won’t take no for an answer. Besides, I may die of old age if we wait for Mac to bring you around.”
She laughed. “I certainly don’t want that to happen. I would be happy to have supper with you and Mrs. Mackenzie.”
“Excellent,” he said and scribbled the address on the back of his receipt. “We’ll see you tomorrow evening then, lass. Five o’clock sharp.”
“See you tomorrow, and I hope Mrs. Mackenzie enjoys the book.”
Joe waved the book above his head and pushed the door open to outside.
***
Mac looked at her watch and realized she was late for her date with Dana. “Shit!” she muttered, grabbing a bottle of wine from the cooler behind the bar. She turned in such a rush to leave, she almost collided with Ricky as he came around the corner.
He grabbed her by the shoulders and steered her around him. “Whoa there, Daisy Duke.” She wore blue jean shorts, a red buttoned shirt tied off exposing her taut midriff, and a black pair of sneakers. “Where are you off to in such a hurry?”
“Daisy Duke. Cute,” she scoffed. “I have a lunch date with Dana, and I’m already late.” He released her, and she grinned. She was looking forward to spending alone time with Dana, and she knew just the spot. Dana was always in her thoughts lately, and she found herself daydreaming about her instead of doing whatever she was supposed to be doing.
“Okay, Mac. Go have fun with your girlfriend.” He winked.
Girlfriend? She felt a flutter in her stomach at the word. Is that what they were now? She stored it away for later reflection. If she didn’t get going, it wouldn’t matter if they were or weren’t. Grabbing the picnic basket she had left by the stairs, she secured it in the back of her beloved Jeep CJ, then climbed into the driver’s seat and headed for Dana’s place.
Mac stopped at the screen door of the beach house but didn’t knock. The inner door was open, giving her a clear view inside. Dana stood by the breakfast nook, fingers flying over her phone. She wore a pair of blue cotton shorts and a white tee shirt that hung loosely on her shoulders. Mac paused for a moment to watch. With her head down looking at the phone, her hair fell forward as she typed, hiding her face. Mac took a bit of guilty pleasure from the opportunity to admire Dana unseen. Her voyeurism was soon over though when Dana straightened and tucked her phone into her pocket.
“Knock, knock,” she said, opening the screen door and stepping inside. Tingles ran through her as Dana’s gaze traveled the length of her body, stopping at her toned midriff. Dana’s eyes were wide, and her lips parted slightly. Mac closed the distance, and with two fingers lifted Dana’s chin. “I’m up here.”
Dana shook her head. “I’m not finished objectifying you yet.” She smiled slyly and glanced at Mac’s cleavage.
Placing a hand on the opening of her shirt, she once again lifting Dana’s chin, then leaned in and kissed her softly. “Is that all I am to you? An object?” she asked playfully, wrapping her arms around her waist and pulling her close. She looked into soft brown eyes, and a warm feeling washed over her as Dana’s hands caressed the exposed skin of her lower back.
“No,” Dana said softly. “You’re much more.”
They held each other’s gaze for several long moments, and her pulse quickened and her mouth went dry. Her lips parted to speak, but she didn’t get the chance.
“So,” Dana said, breaking the silence, “where are you taking me?”
“A picnic. I know a quiet little spot where we can eat and talk and…well, whatever else may come to mind.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Whatever else may come to mind?”
Mac grinned and waggled her eyebrows, then motioned toward the door. “Shall we go?” She took Dana’s hand, lacing their fingers together. When they reached the topless Jeep, Dana stopped
and stared at it.
“Something wrong?” Mac asked.
“Doors. There are no doors! Why aren’t there any doors?” Her eyes widened as she glanced between the Jeep and Mac.
“No need for doors. They’re highly overrated anyway.” Mac smirked, made her way around to the driver’s side, then climbed up into the vehicle.
Dana frowned and pulled herself up onto the passenger seat. “And why is this damn thing so high off the ground?”
She fastened her seatbelt and started the engine. “It makes climbing boulders and crossing rivers that much easier.”
“What!” Dana practically yelled. “We’re not going to be doing that are we? Please tell me we’re not.”
Mac laughed and placed a hand on Dana’s knee, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “No. Nothing like that.” Her enjoyment grew when Dana gave an audible sigh of relief. “However, we will be going off-road, but not to worry; it’s a very tame trail.” Before Dana could protest, she pushed the Jeep into gear and pulled onto the road.
They hadn’t driven far when Mac turned onto an old dirt logging road that led into the woodland. She slowed the Jeep, then came to a full stop when the road turned into what looked like a well-worn cart track.
“Is this it?” Dana asked, looking around questioningly at the forest that surrounded them.
“Nope. Little ways to go yet.” She shifted the vehicle into four-wheel drive and glanced at Dana. Her expression drifted between fear and excitement.
“Deeper into the woods then?” It was a statement more than a question.
“Are you afraid? We can turn back if you are.”
Dana didn’t answer. She sat quietly looking forward, down the trail they would soon journey. Mac watched her, looking for a hint as to what she was thinking. Dana shook her head and turned to face her as she bit on her lower lip.
“No. Not afraid. Just nervous, I guess. Not knowing what to expect.”
Mac shifted the Jeep into neutral and applied the parking brake. “Okay,” she said, turning in her seat to face Dana. “Let me put your mind at ease. It’s about another kilometer and a half to the picnic spot, and the trail is pretty much like what you see in front of us. There will be lots of bumps along the way, small rocks, and ruts, maybe some exposed roots. But we’ll be going slow.”