Chapter Ten
I did not want to be at work. Monday mornings were so much harder now that I had Sarah to fill my weekends. Over the past few months we were spending every weekend together and nearly every day of every week. I was neglecting my responsibilities, putting everything off until I knew one day where we wouldn’t be together and trying to cram it all in then. I was enjoying every second of it though. Our long, lazy mornings, breakfasts in bed, laying together on the sofa, legs wrapped up in each other like pretzels. I was feeling more at ease about her friends and the lifestyle she led. It was far more glamorous than I was used to but she was with me at my side, holding my hand, guiding me through her world and as long as I was with her, I didn’t mind. She met my friends and hung out with us, getting pizza or just hanging out at a dive bar, we lived differently yet, the same. She let her hair down with me so I wore my hair up for her. We went on adventures and I learned all the curves of her body. She accepted mine for its flaws and finally, I felt like I could be completely at ease. Around 2:00, I received a delivery, a dozen pink tulips for my desk, in it, a note: Thinking of you, Mere, cannot wait until tonight! Oh yes, tonight. A night I had kind of been dreading. It was a gala at a fancy boutique hotel downtown, all her friends would be there and so would Rebeccah. I hadn’t seen her since that night. Sarah hadn’t even talked about her much and we didn’t talk about the incident. I had gone all out though as Sarah was receiving an award and Richie asked me to present it to her. I rented a dress, a sexy long black gown with slit up the side. It had long sleeves and was very form-fitting. I chose gold heels and chandelier earrings, my hair to be piled on top my head. I was nervous but had a very severe case of anxiety every time I thought about being on stage in front of four hundred people. I sent her a text, “Just got the flowers, they are almost as gorgeous as you are. See you tonight.” Since she had a speech to prepare, I told her I would meet her there. Besides, I wanted to surprise her with my dress. I knew she would love it. The day dragged on and by three-thirty, I was out the door. While getting ready and calming myself with a glass of wine, I got a phone call. It was a number I didn’t recognize, so I let it go to voicemail. Curious, I checked it. “Meredith, this is Rebeccah. I don’t want drama tonight, unfortunately, we will be sitting at the same table as the event coordinator put our charities together. Don’t worry, sure you’ll be great on stage. Looking forward to seeing you both there!” I rolled my eyes. First, how did she get my number and secondly, why would she bother to call me, she should just tell Sarah and let her inform me. I thought about letting Sarah know but didn’t want to bring it up now, she was nervous enough as it was. I gave myself a look in the mirror-“Not bad at all” I thought with a grin. I grabbed my clutch and the paper with my speech, and called a cab to the hotel downtown.
Stepping into the hotel, it was impressive. It was a historic building with a number of chandeliers and ornate décor. Two spiral staircases looped up to the second floor and a large chandelier hung above and there, below it, was Sarah. She was a vision dressed in a long white gown, sleeveless, but with a small cape that led into a small train at her back. Her dark hair piled in a chic hairdo, perfect and not a hair out of place. I began to walk up the staircase and someone pointed at me so she turned and was beaming. “You look exquisite.” And she gave me a kiss. “Good and Evil?” I joked as we were quite striking standing next to one another in solid black and solid white. “Come with me, Meredith” she said, excusing us from the two donors she was speaking with and we made our way to an empty ballroom. “Again, you are stunning.” And she kissed me. “I don’t want to put a damper on the night but Rebeccah is at our table. Something about her charity and the one I work with being put together, I just found out.” When she didn’t get a look of surprise or anger, she looked shocked. “Well, I already know.” I admitted. I took out my phone and played the voicemail to her. “She called you?” she said with surprise. “I know, I was pretty surprised by it too.” “Ok, well, we can’t do anything about it so let’s just enjoy the night.” I squeezed her hand and we made our way into the Grand Ballroom. Our table was close to the stage and luckily nobody else was seated yet. Each table had two or three candles, a small bouquet of flowers and a frame with a photo of the guest of honor, Sarah. First, was a four-course dinner and all the wine one could drink. By dessert, I slowed down as I did not want to trip and fall as I made my way up to the stage. However, the glances from Rebeccah were getting more and more frequent and she hadn’t said as much as a ‘hello’ to us since she arrived. The plates were taken away and champagne was brought out. The other people at the table wanted to give a preemptive cheer to Sarah when Rebeccah finally chimed in. “I ‘d like to say a few words if nobody minds” she started, not letting anyone get a word in anyway. “To the woman who was my partner and friend for a good portion of our life, may tonight be the beginning of many more career successes.” She made eye-contact with Sarah and then at me, but giving no smile. So much for no drama, I thought. Sarah looked uncomfortable but said thank you and sipped her champagne. “I need to excuse myself.” I said, making my way to the bathroom. In the stall, I took a deep breath, “Don’t let her get to you” I told myself. Looking in the mirror, I reminded myself to be more confident. I took out my compact and freshened my face and my lipstick, getting ready for my moment to present when an older lady walked in and stood beside me at the mirror. “You must be Meredith, Sarah’s girlfriend, is that right?” “Oh why, yes, I am. I’m presenting the award tonight.” “Right dear, I know. I’m Sheriden McAvoy, I put this whole thing together.” “How very nice to meet you” I said, genuinely surprised to be meeting her. “It really is such a lovely evening.” “I’m happy you are having a nice time, though I’m sorry to see Rebeccah at your table, dear, that must be awkward for you.” “Oh, you didn’t make the seating arrangements? I was under the impression we were assigned like that.” “I try to put similar charities together but no, it wasn’t my intention to sit her there, I know how dramatic past relationships can be, I should know, I’ve been married six times!” and she let out a big laugh. “I can’t do that for everyone, but for our guest of honor-No, I was told Sarah called and asked her to be there, something about Rebeccah having always been there for her and this as really “their award” so here we are.” I let out a small smile and thanked her and made my way back to the table. My instinct told me Rebeccah had called, I didn’t want to believe Sarah would do that. Sitting back at the table, I pretended nothing was wrong, I didn’t want to ruin Sarah’s night, no matter what the truth was. Soon, it was my time to go back stage and prepare. “And now, presenting the award for Charitable Organization of the Year for Arts, Culture and Heritage is Meredith Nolte.” The audience clapped and I saw Sarah smiling up at me. “Ladies and Gentleman, tonight we present this distinguished honor to Sarah Parker, a woman who manages to make it all look effortless when it is in fact, quite the opposite. From starting her IT business at the age of nineteen in her dorm room to having it grow to where it is today is nothing short of remarkable. She started the first celebrity site dedicated to the positive change they make their organizations and the causes they care about, changing the negative talk into positive one, she also campaigned along side many celebrity mothers who refuse to let their children be bait to the paparazzi, standing up for their rights.” Applause let out at that one and I caught glimpse of Jennifer Garner giving Sarah a standing ovation. “She also runs her own charity, which is why we are here tonight, that raises money for young girls, especially those of the LGBT youth, to get aid to get educated in the IT world. On a personal level, I get to see this woman in action every day and every day I fall for her more because of her generous heart, her endless amount of energy and the fact that she makes life so much fun all the time. Her beauty is unmatched by the beauty in her heart and for that I am very grateful to have her by my side. I am lucky to have her and so are the youth that she represents. So, without further ado, may I present to you, the talented and
effervescent, Sarah Parker.” Applause erupted and she made her way up the stairs to me. With a hug and a big kiss, she took the award and went to the microphone. “Thank you, Meredith and thank you Charity Global, Inc. for choosing me for this very prestigious award. I really am speechless at what this means and equally as speechless for that far too kind introduction by my beautiful girlfriend, Meredith. Thank you sweetheart, you put up with my shenanigans more than I deserve and for that, you deserve an award!” The crowd laughed and so did I. As Sarah finished her speech, I watched in the wings. I glanced at Rebeccah who was looking right at me with a stone face. I shook it off and focused on Sarah as she wrapped up her speech to a standing ovation. She came back stage and kissed me, “Wonderful speech, baby” I said with a hug. “You were great.” “I love you” she said, with a smile. “I really do.” I was floored. Love? “I love you, too” I said back, I kissed her gently and all my doubts vanished as I kissed her behind the curtains.
Back at the table, Rebeccah praised Sarah for her speech and gave her a hug, never making eye-contact with me. Sarah could sense something was up and asked me to get some air with her outside on the terrace. “I’m sorry about her”, “This is your night babe, don’t let her ruin it. Though, I met Ms. Van Houten, the woman who organized everything-in the bathroom, and she let me in on a little fact. She apologized for me having to sit with Rebeccah and so I told her I thought that the committee or that she arranged all that and she said no, that you called and requested it.” Sarah looked shocked, a genuine reaction. “I didn’t think that was true because why would you do that.” “Did she say what I had said exactly?” “She said something about this award being for both of you, not just you, that Rebeccah had always been there, etc.” Sarah’s face turned angry, her lips in a thin line. “I cannot believe she did that.” She turned and walked out, making her way back to the ballroom. “Sarah, wait, not tonight.” But her mind was made up. Our table was empty and people were filing out. Sarah picked up her award and bag and we made our way to the lobby where we spotted Rebeccah. “May I have a word?” Sarah said quietly. “Be right back”. They disappeared around the corner but not before Rebeccah took an opportunity to glance back at me. “The nerve” I muttered. I was greeted by a sea of faces as they made their way to the valet. It seemed like ages that they were gone and most people had left already, leaving just a handful at the bar. I decided to go find her and make sure everything was ok. I went down the hall, peeking into any unlocked door I could find. Finally, I heard voices so I made my way towards an open corridor and there they were, arguing, when I saw Rebeccah kiss her. I stepped back, my breathing stopped and my heart beating rapidly. “How dare you!” Sarah said and I let out an audible sigh of relief, too loud as they both turned. “Sarah, you’ve been gone awhile..almost everyone is gone.” “Meredith, I’m sorry” We all looked at each other, unsure of what to do next. “Let’s go?” I asked her, “It’s probably the best idea.” Without looking at Rebeccah, we walked out.
Chapter Twelve
Upon arriving at her home, we were back in good spirits, not wanting another second to be wasted on the past. Her home was beautiful and her bedroom warm and inviting. We both walked into her closet, it was expansive and immaculate. A chaise lounge was in the middle, under a small chandelier. I draped myself on it, and she slipped off my shoes. She unbuttoned the clasp at the nape of her neck and her dress fell off of her, revealing that she wore nothing underneath. My eyes widened as she tugged at my dress so I would unzip it. Her gorgeous breasts before me, it was all I could do to not touch them. I wore a black bra and a lace thong and moments later, all that was left on were my chandelier earrings. As she laid beside me and my fingers entered her, we kissed and nothing escaped our lips but “I love you.” Her touch drove me wild and all I wanted to do was consume her. She slid down and her face was between my legs, the dim light of her chandelier casting a warm glow above us. I cried out as she penetrated me. I reached out and touched her soft hair, her hands gripped my thighs even harder and her tongue moved faster. My toes curled and my body was building with tension. Her hands moved up my body and grabbed my breasts, her thumbs making circles around my nipples, it was driving me wild. Within moments, I released hard into her, my body shaking with tiny convulsions. She came up to me and kissed me and I took her hand and led her to her bed. “It’s your turn” I said playfully as I made my way under her sheets. She did taste of wine; very sweet. Her smooth skin was inviting and I couldn’t get enough. I laid my legs on either side of hers so I could grind on her as I licked and sucked. “I can feel how wet you are” she whispered, her eyes closed and head back. I moved faster, my pace quickening, she moaned louder and I picked up the pace. My tongue moving back and forth, up and down swirling inside her, my finger at the top of her, adding to the stimulation. She came quickly and as she did she told me once again how much she loved me. I snuggled up to her and embraced her and we fell into a very deep sleep.
The next morning, we awoke in a daze. “Did that really happen last night?” she asked, “Which part?” I laughed. “The award, the beautiful gala, Rebeccah’s antics or our very wonderful session?” She gave me a look, “All of it!” she laughed, “What an evening!” “I can’t believe she kissed you.” I said, though hesitant to bring it up. “I know, and I’m so sorry you had to see that. I really lit into her. It’s hard, we have so much history and we were such a huge part of each others lives, I think she still feels like I’m a part of her and that gives her free reign to do what she likes.” I just sat there, taking it all in. “Do you think we need to worry about her?” I said timidly. “Oh no, sweetheart, no. I won’t let her bother you anymore, she shouldn’t after last night.” Sarah kissed me on the forehead and went downstairs, wrapped up in a silk white robe and fuzzy slippers, to get us breakfast. I laid back in bed, but feeling restless, I wrapped a sheet around me and wandered around her expansive bedroom. I walked into her closet, our clothes still in piles from the night before. I picked up her dress and hung it up, then her shoes and my dress. Our handbags were on the floor as well, tossed aside, contents spilling everywhere. I picked up her bag and noticed mine had a note inside it. I immediately got suspicious. Opening it up, it read: You may think you have her all to yourself, but just wait princess, it won’t last. One guess who that was from. Question is, do I show it to Sarah? I hesitated for too long as I heard her walk in, calling to me. Turning around, she was holding a breakfast tray with croissants, orange juice, coffee, fruit, and a small bottle of champagne. “That looks really great, Sarah” I said with a smile. “I don’t want to dampen our breakfast but I just found this note.” I held it out to her. She set the tray on the bed and came towards me, taking it and reading it aloud. “It was in my bag, no clue when she put it in there. Sarah was silent and closed her eyes. “I have had enough of her.” She said quietly. “Hey, she could have put that in there before your argument, let’s ignore it and not worry, I’m not worried.” Sarah looked at me and placed her hands on my shoulders. “You know you don’t have to worry, right? I’m not going anywhere. I adore you and want us to work out.” The sincerity in her eyes was striking and I knew right then that I trusted her completely. “Of course, sweetie, I know that. I want us to work out, too. Now come on, let’s snuggle back up, turn on the tv and indulge in this very lovely breakfast together.” I took her hand and we both crawled into bed, deliriously happy and not a care in the world.
The Boss
~ Bonus Story ~
A Western Lesbian Romance
My parents ranch went out of business, bankrupted by the bigger, corporate ranches that moved into the area. At first I wasn't sure what to do, but then I heard in town that the Rocking U Ranch was hiring. Sam, the woman who ran the ranch, was a tough character from all the accounts I'd heard, but that wasn't something that scared me. I figured that because I was a woman as well, Sam would have respect for me where as a male might think less of me.
I headed to the Rocking U Ranch and qu
ickly was introduced to Sam. Sparks flew from the get go, and I wondered if working at the Rocking U Ranch was going to be a good fit. Brad, one of the foreman, was so full of his former military bearing and bluster that it was a little intimidating. But, little did I know, I was opening the pages to a chapter of my life that I would never forget.
That's just how life goes, sometimes, I guess. The long shots sometimes turn out to be the best bet.
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