Hearts of Emerald Bay

by D G Barnes

  “Jesus, Mac,” Dana groaned, her breath ragged.

  “You want more?” she asked huskily.

  “Please.”

  Mac shifted her position and took a nipple into her mouth while simultaneously sliding a hand down Dana’s abdomen until she cupped her center. She gasped at the touch and thrust her pelvis upward when Mac found her most intimate spot.

  The pleasure was short-lived as their shared intimacy shattered at the sound of a loud thud followed by the door of the apartment flying open and banging against the wall. Mac jumped to her feet, and Dana shrieked. Both crossing an arm across their breasts.

  Someone was dashing down the hall, bouncing off the wall in the process. Mac recognized Ellie’s form as it disappeared. What the hell? She looked back at the doorway where Doris stood, arms crossed and looking none too pleased. But that was nothing new when she was in Mac’s presence.

  “This is why you are unfit to care for that child,” Doris said firmly, pointing down the hall before crossing her arms again.

  “Not in the mood for your bullshit, Doris. You better have a damn good reason for barging into my home.” Mac’s mood had done a complete one-eighty, and she saw red. Dana stood beside her wearing her shirt and offering Mac hers. She took it and pulled it on. “I’m waiting, Doris. Start talking.”

  “Ellie is drunk! Drunk from booze she got from you, and to make matters worse, I caught her kissing a girl. Something she would never have done had she come to live with me to begin with. You exposed her to this.” Doris motioned toward the sofa where Mac and Dana had been a moment ago. “I don’t know what my poor Melissa was thinking, letting herself be manipulated by that brother of yours.” Doris spat the words.

  Something inside Mac snapped. How dare she talk about her brother like that. She clenched her fists, and her nostrils flared as she stepped toward Doris, not caring at that moment what the consequences of her next action would be. Time slowed as Doris’ expression changed from disgust to surprise to fear. Mac tried to raise her fist, but it wouldn’t move, something, or more accurately, someone stopped her. She looked down at the hand that gripped her wrist, then up to Dana’s face. Her lips were moving, but she couldn’t hear her. Minutes seemed to tick by, and as Mac’s rage subsided, she heard Dana’s words.

  “Mac! Don’t. She isn’t worth it. She’s just a petty bigot that doesn’t deserve your attention. Ignore her,” Dana pleaded, worry in her voice. That voice grounded her. She studied Dana’s face and saw nothing but concern in her eyes. She closed her own eyes for a moment and calmed herself before opening them again.

  “Thank you,” she said quietly. Relaxing her muscles, she took a deep breath, then turned to Doris. “I need to tend to my niece. You need to leave, or shall I call down and have one of my bouncers toss you out on your pompous ass?”

  “You wouldn’t dare!”

  “Try me!” Mac snapped.

  “This isn’t over. Mark my words.” Doris turned and stormed off.

  They stood in silence for a moment and stared at the open door. “Holy shit,” Dana said as Mac closed it.

  “Yeah. Right,” Mac said quietly, her nerves settling. “I’m sorry you had to witness that, but I’m also glad you were here to keep me from doing something stupid.”

  “Anytime.” Dana kissed her cheek and caressed her forearm.

  The sound of retching drew their attention, and they hurried down the hall. They found Ellie in the bathroom on her knees with her head in the toilet.

  “Dana, could you get a damp cloth please.” Mac knelt beside Ellie. She gathered the girl’s hair and held it back with one hand and rubbed her back with the other. “I’m here, Ellie. You’re going to be okay.”

  Ellie looked up at Mac, and her heart broke. Tears dripped from her red, puffy eyes, and moisture ran across her pale skin from her nose. “Mac it hurts to puke.” She moaned, then heaved again, her back arching.

  “I know, sweetie. But it will pass.” She took the cloth Dana offered and wiped Ellie’s face the next time she surfaced.

  “I don’t know what happened. Nana’s wrong. I wasn’t drinking, I didn’t take any of your booze.” Ellie sobbed into the toilet.

  “I know you didn’t, sweetheart. I believe you. Don’t worry about it now. We can figure it out tomorrow when you’re feeling better.”

  Ellie nodded and heaved once more. Mac and Dana stayed with her, sitting on the bathroom floor until she had emptied the contents of her stomach. When sleep started to take hold of Ellie, they helped her to her room and got her ready for bed. Mac positioned her on her side with pillows propped behind her to prevent her from rolling onto her back in her sleep. Dana placed a trash can beside her bed in case Ellie needed it in the night. Leaving Ellie to sleep it off, they snuggled together on the sofa for the night, neither wanting to leave the young girl unattended.

  Chapter Twelve

  The dull ache of a stiff back greeted Dana when she stirred the next morning. “Damn,” she mumbled. She lay still until the sounds and aroma of sizzling bacon stimulated her senses. She blinked her eyes open, clearing the fog from her brain. She had fallen asleep on Mac’s sofa last night.

  She sat up and winced. Twisting her torso from side-to-side, the pain eased as she worked the offending muscles. Note to self: do not sleep on Mac’s sofa again. She gathered up the blanket that lay across her lap and folded it neatly. Mac must have covered her up when she drifted off, probably while she lay with her head on her lap.

  After Ellie was down for the night, Mac had popped a DVD into the machine, and they snuggled together as Bill Murray and friends battled ghosts in New York City. They had taken turns throughout the evening to check on Ellie and made time for a make-out session or two.

  Dana stood on tiptoes, raised her arms above her head, and stretched skyward. The act caused her shirt to ride up and expose a generous amount of skin, much to the delight of a pair of emerald green eyes that were watching her.

  “Now that’s a sight I could get used to seeing first thing in the morning,” the voice that belonged to those green eyes said from not too far away.

  Dana looked over her shoulder. She hadn’t considered the someone responsible for creating the awesome bacon smell filling her nostrils stood nearby. Mac leaned on the counter and grinned, her eyes unabashedly traveled her length. Dana glanced down at herself and realized she wasn’t wearing pants. She turned to face Mac and lifted the bottom of her shirt up with one hand, far enough to show off her flat belly, then struck a sexy pose. She tossed her hair for good measure.

  “And how about this sight?” She giggled.

  Mac’s eyes widened. The tongs she held clattered when they dropped to the counter. “Sweet mother of heaven,” she murmured. “You need to be over here kissing me.”

  “Do I now?” she said and slinked toward the kitchen, exaggerating the natural sway of her hips with each step. She eased herself into Mac’s space and traced a finger over her bottom lip.

  “Good morning, beautiful,” she purred. “Something in this kitchen has my mouth watering.” She gazed into those green eyes and saw desire flash behind them. “And I’m not talking about the bacon. Though that’s a close second.” She felt the heat too. Every inch of her tingled. Sadly, the sound of a door opening down the hall stopped her from going where she wanted to. “Ellie’s up,” she said, a hint of disappointment in her voice. She gave Mac a slow sensual kiss before she stepped back. Damn, but she wanted her.

  The playful look Mac gave her did nothing to lessen her urges. “She’s been up for a while. That was her coming out of the shower.” She turned back to the stove. “Bacon and eggs for breakfast. Nothing better than greasy food to help with a hangover.”

  Dana laughed. From her experience during her campus years, she knew the logic was sound. “How’s she feeling?” she asked, as she searched for her wayward pants.

  “A bit grumpy. Can’t say I blame her though. I gave her a couple Aspirin for her headache and told her to drink lots of wa
ter.”

  “Poor kid. I remember my first hangover. Not a pretty sight,” Dana said, now fully clothed and back at Mac’s side. “Anything I can do to help?”

  “Make the toast?” She gave her a peck on the cheek.

  “Sure thing. Have I ever told you how cute you are when you're all domestic?”

  “Who’s being all domestic?” a gravelly young voice asked.

  Dana glanced at Ellie as she entered the kitchen. “Good morning. Nice to see you’re still among the living. And your aunt is, that’s who.”

  “It is morning,” Ellie groaned as she slid onto a chair at the table. “But I’m not sure about the good part, and the living thing is still up for debate.” She folded her arms on the table and laid her head down.

  Both Dana and Mac laughed, understanding the girl’s plight. “Once you have food in your belly, you’ll feel better.” Mac dished a portion of egg and bacon onto a plate.

  Ellie grunted her reply.

  When the toast popped, Dana joined Ellie and Mac at the table. After a few minutes of silence, she wondered if Mac was going to broach the subject that hung over them like a flashing neon sign. She gave Mac a look and tilted her head to one side. Mac nodded and placed her fork on her plate.

  “Ellie, can you tell us what happened last night?” Mac asked in a gentle voice.

  Ellie looked up from her plate and glanced from Mac to Dana then back. She sighed and put her own fork down. “I don’t know for sure. We were hanging out with the cousins and stuff. There was lots of food on the tables and bowls of punch.”

  “Punch?” Mac interrupted. “Did you have any?”

  “No. Well, yes I had a mouthful. We didn’t like the taste of it, so we stuck with water.”

  So much for the spiked punch theory. Dana guessed Mac had come up with the same idea. If not the punch and she only had water, then what got Ellie drunk? She saw Mac’s eyebrow raised in question.

  “Who is we?” Mac asked.

  “Huh?”

  “We? Twice now you said we this and we that. Who is we?”

  “Oh! Monica. She was there too.” Ellie’s face brightened at the mention of her friend. “I should call her. See if she feels as bad as I do.”

  “Monica was there? Drunk too I am guessing?” Mac asked.

  “Yeah.”

  “Lovely.” Mac ran a hand through her hair. “That would explain the kissing then,” she said and glanced at Dana.

  Ellie’s head shot up, and Dana saw her face contort in pain before it settled into one of shocked surprise. She couldn’t be sure if it was because Mac knew she liked girls or if Ellie didn’t remember kissing Monica.

  She stared at Mac, wide-eyed. “What do you mean? What kissing?”

  “You said Monica was there. Doris said she saw you kissing a girl, so…”

  Ellie’s eyes narrowed, and she stared at Mac. “You already knew. Didn’t you?”

  “About you and Monica? We both did,” Mac said motioning between her and Dana with her fork. “Saw you two kissing at the festival.”

  “Actually, I also saw you kissing when Mac and I were on the Ferris wheel. It was so sweet.” Dana sighed at the memory of the teens’ first kiss. Mac turned and gave her a we’ll discuss this later look.

  “And now Nana knows too.” Ellie groaned audibly and buried her face in her hands. “My life is over,” she said, her words muffled, but Dana could hear them, and she felt the girl’s anguish.

  “Your life is not over, El, and you did nothing wrong.” Mac pulled Ellie’s hands away from her face.

  “Yeah, I know.” She sighed. “Still, I’m going to get lectured to death ya know.” She pushed the last bit of egg onto her fork and ate it. “So, you’re not mad at me?”

  Mac tilted her head. “For what? Kissing Monica or getting caught by Doris?”

  Ellie shrugged. “Both?”

  Mac sat back and chuckled. “To be honest, I didn’t expect you to start dating for another year or so, and I certainly didn’t expect you to fall for your best friend.” She paused. “Ellie, you are who you are, and you’ll love who you love. No one has the right to judge you on what’s in your heart. Okay?”

  Ellie’s eyes glistened. “Thanks, Mac.”

  “Now, as for getting caught by Doris. We can chalk that up to poor judgment due to your state of inebriation at the time.” She squeezed Ellie’s hand.

  Ellie laughed as she stood and took her plate to the dishwasher. “I’m going to call Monica and check on her.” She went in search of her phone.

  As she disappeared, Dana turned to Mac. “What do you think will happen now? With Doris that is?”

  Mac collected the plates and utensils and stacked them in a pile before she carried them to the dishwasher. “I don’t know. But as sure as shit, she’s not going to let this rest.” Her brow furrowed.

  She followed her to the kitchen, wrapped her arms around her and pulled her in for a soft kiss. “I’m here for you, Mac; you know that. Right? Even if it’s just to listen.”

  Mac kissed her back. “Thanks. I know you are. But not to worry. I can handle Doris.”

  Dana studied her. Hopefully, she was right, and she could handle the nasty woman. But what if she couldn’t? Would she let her help? Would she ask for it if she needed it? Dana held her close, and her chest tightened as Doris’s parting words came back to her: This isn’t over. Mark my words.

  She stepped back at the sound of Mac’s phone buzzing in her pocket. Mac gave her a look of concern as she retrieved it. “Are you okay? What’s wrong?” she said before glancing at the caller ID.

  “I’m fine. Just worried about you.”

  Mac nodded. “I appreciate that, but you don’t need to be. Okay? I need to take this.” She winked. “It’s my other girlfriend.” She tapped the screen. “Jenny! How are you?”

  Dana scowled and swatted her backside. “Not funny.”

  Mac stepped away, listening to Jenny as she rubbed her backside. “Sure, Jen, I’ll let her know. Talk to you later.” Mac ended the call and put her phone away. “Ouch!” She glared at Dana. “That stung.”

  “You deserved it. Now, what did the homewrecker want?”

  “In your hast to see me last night, you left your phone behind; that’s why she called me. Also, you have company. Jenny didn’t say who.”

  She cocked her head, wondering who could possibly be visiting her. “That’s strange. I’m not expecting anyone.”

  Mac shrugged and walked toward the entrance, slyly looking back at her, then quickly away. “You better get going. Don’t want to keep whoever it is waiting.”

  “You’re up to something, Ms. Mackenzie. Spill!”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Besides, I need to get to work.” Her eyes twinkled, and Dana could tell she was fighting to keep a straight face.

  “Un-huh.” Dana slipped on her sneakers. “I’m going to meet this mystery guest, then you and I are going to talk about keeping secrets.” She gave Mac a languid kiss as she caressed her arms.

  “Sounds good,” Mac said as she all but pushed her out the door.

  ***

  Mac pulled her phone out as she made her way to the kitchen and fired off a quick text.

  She’s on her way. Ellie and I will be there shortly.

  The reply came seconds later. Excellent. See you soon.

  Mac looked up, and her heart pounded in her chest. Ellie walked toward her as if on autopilot. Her arms hung limply at her sides, and she stared blankly ahead, the color drained from her tear-stained face. Mac’s chest tightened, and a sense of dread filled her.

  “Ellie? What’s wrong?”

  She looked at her, blinking away tears. Her lip quivered. “Monica,” she croaked. She cleared her throat and tried again. “Monica. She’s in the hospital.” She moved quickly to Mac and wrapped her arms around her and sobbed.

  Mac held her, giving her time before asking questions. After a few moments, Ellie calmed, and Mac moved them to the sofa. “Tell me w
hat happened. Is Monica okay?”

  Ellie nodded and wiped at her eyes. “Monica’s mom answered her phone when I called. She told me that after she picked her up from Nana’s and brought her home, she wouldn’t stop puking.” She sniffed, and Mac grabbed a few tissues and brought them to her.

  “Go on,” Mac said.

  “Her mom was worried because it was all red and she thought she was bringing up blood, so she called 911. They took her to the hospital, but it turned out to be the red Jell-O she ate.” She giggled nervously.

  “Well, that’s a relief.” Her own panic settled. “But she is still in the hospital?”

  “Yeah, they did some tests, and the doctor said the alcohol in her blood was close to dangerous levels, so they wanted to keep her for observation.”

  “When will she be able to go home?”

  “Her mom said it could be this evening, but most likely tomorrow morning.”

  Mac gave her a hug and kissed her forehead. “Cheer up, El. She’ll be okay. Why don’t you clean up and we’ll take a run over to the hospital and see her? I want to see if there is anything we can do for her mom.”

  Ellie brightened at the suggestion and stood, but Mac stopped her before she could go. “Ellie, did you eat the red Jell-O?”

  “I had the blue mostly.”

  “That would explain the color of your puke.”

  “Gross.” Ellie turned and headed for the bathroom.

  Mac was thrilled Monica was okay, but she needed to find out what sort of lies Doris may have told Barb, Monica’s mom. Thirty minutes later, Ellie stood at Monica’s bedside and Mac sat in a chair next to Barb. She was a few years older with wavy black hair that hung at her shoulders. Her face wore the signs of worry and lack of sleep. Her clothes were neat and clean but showed signs of age.

  Mac had met Barb a few times when Ellie was younger, but it wasn’t until Jack and Melissa died that they became friends. Barb was a kind-hearted woman who had married her high school sweetheart after graduation. Monica was born a few years later, and he decided then that being a father wasn’t for him. It had been rough for her and Monica the first couple of years, but Barb worked hard, sometimes working two jobs at once to make ends meet. Melissa had often volunteered to take care of baby Monica to help her out.