by Lydia Rose
"When we waited for the train that morning," Jennifer paused, trying to find the right words, “when you said you never thought of yourself being a lesbian." Reese nodded understanding. "I asked you, what about now?" She looked at her face. "Do you remember what you said?"
Reese nodded, "I said I didn't know. What I should have said was that I didn't know until you." Reese smiled.
Jennifer returned her smile, and they both dug into the hamburgers with gusto. "That was good, but I don't feel like going home yet. Would you like to take a walk around the lake?"
"Sure."
They got up and walked toward the lake in silence. Each woman again lost in thought. Jennifer wanted to reach for Reese's hand, but she was uncertain of the reaction she would receive. Instead, she stuck her hands in her pockets to keep them from straying. As they reached the path in the park, Reese reached out and took her hand.
"Is this okay?" Reese asked, pausing for a moment.
A smile crossed Jennifer's face. "Yes."
They walked around the park watching men fishing and the ducks swimming nearby. Without saying a word to each other, their feet carried them to the beach. Instead of sitting on a bench, they sat on the sand near the water's edge.
"How are Joyce and Tina doing?"
Jennifer chuckled. "Well, I think slowly went out the window. When I called to tell her she didn't have to pick me up at the airport, I interrupted them." She laughed again.
Reese laughed too. "What did she say?"
"She tried to play it off that she wasn't with Tina, but I could hear her calling her back to bed."
"I guess slow is definitely out the window,” Reese agreed, laughing.
"You could say that," she said as she chuckled. "It's been a long time since they've been together, and I guess the temptation must have been too much."
Reese didn't comment on Jennifer's response, and she wondered if Reese thought she was hinting that they should be doing the same.
"Let's get you home," Jennifer said, standing. She held out her hand for Reese to take. "I don't think either one of us got much sleep last night."
They walked quietly home, but Reese didn't reach for Jennifer's hand on the walk home. Jennifer walked Reese to her back door. "Sleep well, Reese."
Reese smiled, and looked at Jennifer’s mouth. She watched as Jennifer stood awkwardly keeping her hands in her pockets. Before Jennifer could turn away, she kissed her mouth. "Good night, Jen."
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
"Hi, Boss."
"Good morning Halley,” Reese said to her receptionist. The smile she wore was evident on her face and Halley took notice.
"Boy, you look happy this morning. I guess taking the afternoon off was just what the doctor called for."
"It sure was," Reese said on the way to her office.
"Aren't you going to tell me who it is?"
Reese stopped in her tracks. "What do you mean?" she asked, facing her.
"Someone put that smile on your face and I want to know if he's got a brother or cousin or young father," Halley said with a laugh.
Reese giggled, and walked to her office without commenting.
"Hi, honey," Reese's dad said, sticking his head in the door of her office. "You left early this morning. Is everything okay?" he asked with concern.
"Everything is fine, Dad."
"Halley told me if I have something I didn't want to do, to ask you,” he said with a laugh. "She said you are in an exceptional mood." Richard winked, and said, "I hope it all works out, Reese."
"Thanks, Dad, I hope so too,” Reese said with a smile.
Mid-morning, Reese got a text from Jennifer. "Can I make you dinner tonight?"
Reese looked at her phone and smiled. She began typing. "Am I going to get there and find you've forgotten?"
"No,” Jennifer hit send.
"See you at five," Reese smiled as she typed the words.
Reese walked up the back steps and looked through the screen door. Jennifer was in the kitchen looking at the food cooking on the stove. "Hi, can I come in? The food smells wonderful," she said, before opening the door.
"Sure, come on in.” Jennifer reached for the glass of wine that was on the counter, and handed it to Reese. "Good day?"
"Yeah, real good," Reese said with a smile. "Thanks," she said as she took a sip of the wine.
Jennifer watched the professional Reese in her black suit and heels. Reese put the glass down on the kitchen table, and slipped out of her shoes. Once her shoes were neatly in a corner, the jacket came off next. Jennifer's mouth went dry, as she saw the white tank top that Reese had on under the jacket. Her tongue came out of her mouth and she licked her lips in awe.
"Can I set the table?" Reese asked.
"No.” Jennifer pointed, "I figured we could have dinner in the dining room." The table was set for two with Mary's good china and two candlesticks sitting in the middle of the table. As Jennifer looked at it now, she worried that Reese would think she was trying to seduce her. Her brow furrowed.
"What is it, Jen? It looks beautiful."
"Uh, I don't want you to think I'm trying to seduce you." Her eyes dove for the floor and she didn't hear Reese until she was standing right next to her.
"It's beautiful, and no, I don't think you are trying to seduce me.” Then she smiled. "And why aren't you?" she asked with a giggle.
Jennifer's mouth dropped open and no words came out. Her eyes blinked several times before she said, "I just don't know how to answer that."
Reese burst out laughing. "You're cute when you're caught off guard." Without hesitation, she reached for Jennifer and kissed her cheek softly. "Relax, let's have dinner. I'm starving."
"Please take a seat and I'll get our plates." Jennifer pulled out the chair for Reese.
"Can I help you?" Reese asked over her shoulder, as Jennifer pushed her chair in.
"I've got it. Just relax." Jennifer went into the kitchen and picked up the salad plates and placed them on the table. Next, she took the bread out of the oven and placed it in a basket.
"It's funny to see you cooking, Jen. Do you cook often?" Reese asked as the dinner plate was set in front of her.
"Not often, it's no fun to cook for yourself," Jennifer said, taking her seat at the head of the table.
"This looks marvelous." Reese took a piece of bread, and began with the pasta with seafood. "Oh, you have got to give me this recipe," she said, licking her lips.
"Sure." Jennifer marveled how Reese ate all her salad, several pieces of bread, and the plate of pasta. She watched as Reese wiped her lips and sat back in the chair. "Can I get you anything else?"
"Not another thing. I ate like a pig." Reese looked at Jennifer smiling. "You surprise me every day. It's hard to believe we were at each other's throats a short while ago." Her head lowered. "I'm sorry."
Jennifer reached over and took her hand. "You have nothing to be sorry about. We just forgot how much we meant to each other." She grinned. "It's a do-over for us."
Reese put her hand on top of Jennifer's hand. "To do-overs."
"Would you like dessert, or to take a walk first?" Jennifer asked, pulling her hand away, and reached for the plates on the table.
Reese stood up and reached for the dirty plates, also. "Can we skip the walk tonight and just sit on the sofa watching a movie?"'
"Sure. You know Mary was a movie lover." Jennifer motioned Reese toward the living room. "Pick something out for us."
Reese walked over to the book shelf and studied the movies there. A smile formed on her face as she pulled out one of her favorite films. "How's this?" she asked, holding the DVD in her hand as she faced Jennifer.
The romantic Reese had chosen ‘Pride & Prejudice’ with Keira Knightly. "Great, I haven't seen that one in a long time." Jennifer now looked at Reese's work outfit. "Why don't you go home and get comfortable." She pointed to her clothes. "I would hate for your pretty outfit to get all wrinkled."
"If I go home, I'll get sideli
ned by my mother."
"Okay. I've got plenty of things that you can wear. How about a t-shirt and a pair of shorts?" Jennifer asked, walking toward the staircase.
"Thank you," she said, following Jennifer up the stairs.
Jennifer went into the closet and pulled out a pair of shorts and t-shirt from the clothes hanging there.
Reese had thought of taking her pants and top off while Jennifer was choosing her outfit, but she didn't want to be the initiator this time around. It had been her that made the first move in New York and this time around, she wanted Jennifer to decide.
"These should fit you no problem," Jennifer said, handing her the clothes. She left Reese alone to change and went back downstairs to get the movie ready.
When Reese came back down, Jennifer had partially closed the shutters even though there was still some light outside. She chuckled to herself, wondering if Jennifer was still thinking about her mom and the binoculars. She took a seat in one corner of the sofa with her legs tucked underneath her. "Ready when you are." Reese was excited to see the love story unfold.
Jennifer laughed. "How many times have you seen this film?"
"Many times, but if you would rather see something else...?" Reese asked.
"No, I love this film." Jennifer grinned. "I'm a sucker for a good love story." She turned toward Reese. "I do make my living writing romance."
Reese turned on the sofa facing Jennifer and crossed her legs. "Have you thought about writing a mainstream novel to get a wider audience?"
"The book I'm working on now has a lesbian couple, but the story revolves around a straight couple. I've taken the romantic comedy approach with this story." She paused. "Not sure if I'll piss off my followers or if it's really any good."
"I'd be happy to read it, if you would like?"
"I might just let you do that and see what you think about what I've written so far."
Jennifer started the movie and both of them sat in silence watching. It wasn't long before Reese reached for the throw on the sofa, stretched her legs out, and rested her head against the cushion.
Jennifer turned and saw that Reese's eyes were closed. She knew she should wake her up and send her home, but she sat there staring at her face until her eyes became heavy and she fell asleep, too.
Reese opened her eyes slowly and realized she had fallen asleep on the sofa. She glanced at the clock and saw it was six thirty in the morning. She had her clothes and shoes in her hand when she walked into the kitchen of her own home. Her mother was sitting at the table when she walked in.
"Morning, Mom," she said softly.
"Good morning, dear." A small smile was visible on Carol's lips.
Seeing her mother's face, she said, "It's not what you think. I fell asleep on the couch and Jennifer never woke me up."
"Reese,” her mother began, “you are a grown woman. You don't have to explain. I knew where you were."
"Well, I just want you to know that we had dinner and watched a movie. Unfortunately, I feel asleep halfway through."
"Reese, you don't have to explain.” Carol watched as Reese opened her mouth and held up her hand. "Are you going to explain when there is something you don't want me to know?” she asked, grinning.
"You're right, never mind." Reese lowered her head as she left the kitchen. "I'm going to take a shower."
Carol was laughing. "I'll make breakfast."
Jennifer looked at the clock as she opened her eyes. Grabbing her robe, she headed for the stairs. "Reese," she called out. Knew she wouldn't stick around, but I had hoped. Jennifer started the coffee, and then went upstairs to take a shower.
Reese came down the stairs fresh from a shower in her bathing suit and cover up. "Smells good, Mom," she said as she took her seat.
Carol placed a plate in front of Reese and took a seat next to her. "Are you going to the beach with Jennifer?"
"I’m sure Jen is already at her computer working," Reese said in between bites.
"Why don't you give her a call and see if she wants to go with you,” Carol insisted.
"Mom, I'm embarrassed to say I've always been the initiator with Jen. She isn't very forthcoming with her words. This time, I'm going to let her control the situation."
Carol looked at Reese skeptically. "Suppose she doesn't make the first move?"
Reese thought before answering. "Then I have my answer and we just remain friends."
"But, is that what you really want?"
"Mom, I can't throw my heart out there again, and let Jen stomp all over it as she's done before. I won't go through that again,” Reese sighed. "Jen has to decide what she wants."
"Maybe she just needs a push in the right direction,” Carol insisted, as she took Reese's hand.
Reese laughed. "I am so floored that we are having this conversation. I thought you would have been ashamed of me if you ever found out."
"Your dad and I want nothing but happiness for you. We don't want you to spend the rest of your life alone."
Reese got up and pulled her mom up from the chair. "I do love you so much," she said, squeezing her mom very tight.
"I love you, too. Now go to the beach and enjoy yourself," Carol said, with tears choking her words.
Jennifer watched as Reese walked down the driveway with her beach chair and umbrella. She was still watching her when her cell phone rang. Looking at the screen, she smiled before accepting the call. "You're up early. What's the matter? Has that feeling of ‘can't keep your hands off each other’ worn off?" Jennifer asked with a laugh.
"Ha, ha, ha," Joyce said, sarcastically. "Tina, for your information is still sleeping. I came downstairs to make coffee, and thought I would give my best friend a call. Guess I was wrong to do that.”
"I'm sorry. You are no fun to tease anymore. So, how is it going?" Jennifer asked, trying to show enthusiasm in her voice.
"I love her, Jen." Joyce’s voice conveyed what she felt.
"I'm really happy for you, Joyce, I really am." Jennifer sighed. "But, she better treat you right this time, or she'll have me to answer to."
Joyce laughed. "So, how are you and Reese getting along?"
"We spent the last two evenings together and didn't fight,” Jennifer said with a laugh.
“Is that all? You didn’t fight. What am I going to do with you?” Joyce sighed. “Did you tell her how you feel?”
“No, but we held hands Thursday night and kissed good night,” Jennifer said, with a giggle.
“Did you initiate those things or did Reese?” Joyce asked with a huff.
“She did.” Jennifer answered, realizing where Joyce was going with her questions. “I made her dinner last night, and when she walked in,” Jennifer paused, “she looked like she was going to kiss me, and then didn’t.” Jennifer’s shoulders slumped. “She sat on the end of the couch, and I took the other end.” She realized what Reese was doing. “Reese wants me to come to her.”
“Oh, Jen, of course she does,” Joyce said softly.
“She must think I only want to be her friend.” Jennifer felt the tears come to her eyes.
“Don’t worry, it’s not too late. Where is she?” Joyce asked.
“I saw her go to the beach.”
“And you are in your room working on your book,” Joyce chuckled. “What do I have to do, come back there and kick you in the ass?”
“No, Joyce. I get it. I’ll talk to you later.” Jennifer hung up, grabbed a few chapters of her current novel and ran for the stairs. She grabbed her beach chair by the back door, shoved the pages in a beach bag, and headed toward the beach. As she reached the beach, she noticed a woman kneeling on Reese’s blanket. The woman had long brown hair and she wore it pulled tightly in a ponytail. The light blue shorts would have been short standing, but in this position, they were very revealing. Her large dark sunglasses covered her eyes, but Jennifer could tell she was watching Reese’s every move.
Jennifer approached them slowly. “Hi,” she said, as the two women raised t
heir heads and noticed her.
“Have a seat, Jen.” Once Jennifer opened her chair and sat down, she said. “Elise Parker this is Jennifer Connolly. Jen this is Elise.”
“Nice to meet you, Elise,” Jennifer said with her hand extended.
Elise looked at Jennifer and then her mouth dropped open in recognition. “You’re Jennifer Connolly the writer, aren’t you?” She lifted her sunglasses as she reached for Jennifer’s hand.
“Yes,” Jennifer said softly.
“I can’t believe it.” Elise turned to Reese. “You never told me you knew Jennifer Connolly.”
“It never came up,” Reese said.
Elise now turned her attention on Jennifer. “I thought you lived in Chicago?”
“I do, but I’m visiting this summer.” Jennifer responded, without offering more.
A voice called across the beach and Elise quietly cursed. “My friends want to go to lunch. Would you like to join us?” Elise said, touching Jennifer’s hand. Then she turned to Reese. “You’re welcome too, Reese.”
“Thanks, but I just want to sit and relax,” Jennifer said quickly.
“Thanks, but I’ll just hang out with Jen,” Reese added.
“Will you be here later?” Elise asked.
“Not sure.” Jennifer was going to make sure she wasn’t here, but she didn’t offer this to Elise.
“Well, I hope to see you again. I’ve enjoyed meeting you.”
“You too,” Jennifer said without a smile.
“I’m sorry, Jen. I never would have used your last name if I thought she would recognize you.”
“It’s not your fault,” Jennifer laughed, “I thought she was never going to leave.”
“Bet you were sorry you came up here.” Reese laughed. “I am surprised to see you, though.”
“Why?” Reese shrugged. “I wanted to spend time with you.”
Reese’s head whipped toward Jennifer. “I’m sorry for running out on you this morning without saying anything.”
“I understand. Was your mom ticked off?” Jennifer asked.
“No. She said she knew where I was and there was no need to explain.” Reese snickered.
“So what’s the deal with Elise?” Jennifer asked, not wanting to show her jealousy.