by Lydia Rose
“Are you sure, Jen?”
“Yes, I’m sure. You were a corporate attorney before so these contracts should be a piece of cake for you.”
“I’d love to.” Reese finally smiled.
They both heard the car pull up and looked at each other. “My car is here,” Jennifer said, going to the front door. She opened the door and handed the driver her suitcase. “I’ll be right out.”
He nodded and went back to the car.
Reese walked up to Jennifer and wrapped her arms around her neck. “Have a safe flight and call me when you land.”
“I will, and Reese if you want you can stay here.” Before she could respond, Jennifer kissed her as if her life depended on it.
“Wow. Keep that up and I won’t let you leave this house.” She kissed Jennifer’s mouth softly. “I know you have to go.” Reese released her grip on Jennifer. “I love you.”
Jennifer cupped her chin. “I love you too, Reese. Remember that.”
They both had tears in their eyes as Jennifer walked out the front door. As the car pulled away, Reese began to sob.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Thankfully the flight was uneventful. Jennifer met the driver outside the terminal and once seated in the car, she turned on her phone.
“Hi, babe I’m on my way to see Arlene.”
“How was your flight?”
“Uneventful.” Jennifer wanted to say lonely. I miss you and want you to be at my side. “Are you busy at work?”
“Not too busy luckily, because I’m having a hard time concentrating and you’ve only been gone for half a day.” Reese tried to lighten her words by chuckling.
“I know, Reese. I’ll try to get back for a visit as soon as I can. You can always come visit me for a long weekend. Of course, if you have the time.”
“I appreciate the offer, Jen. We will work something out. Are you going to see Joyce today?”
“I’m going to call her and see if she and Tina are available to have dinner tonight.”
“Make sure you give her my love when you see her,” Reese offered quietly.
“I’ll let you get back to work, Reese.” Jennifer tried to keep her voice from cracking.
“I love you,” Reese said, choking on her words.
“I love you, too. Good bye, Reese.”
Jennifer allowed the tears to fall once she disconnected the call. She composed herself as they reached Arlene’s building.
“Hello, Ms. Connelly,” the receptionist said when she walked into Arlene’s office.
“How are you, Sandy?” Jennifer asked, putting her suitcase in the corner out of the way.
“I’m good, thank you.” Sandy smiled and sheepishly said, “I loved your book.”
“Thank you,” Jennifer said, taking a seat.
Just as she took her seat, Arlene’s office door opened. “Jennifer,” she said, taking the woman in her arms. “I’m glad you’re here. Come into my office and we can go over our plans.”
“Okay,” Jennifer said, taking a seat in front of Arlene’s desk.
Arlene pulled out her planner. “I’ve got you scheduled at the large book store downtown for a reading.”
Jennifer interrupted. “A reading? I’ve never done anything like that before,” she said, already feeling nervous.
“Don’t worry. We’ve got what you’re going to read all laid out. You can take it with you and read it over.”
“Who’s going to come to this? I’m not a famous writer that people will know,” Jennifer argued.
“We’ve already notified your fan club and the local papers, and by Sunday morning a lot of people are going to know who you are. The reviews in the large newspapers are also due out in Sunday’s addition.”
“Don’t you think you should have waited until the reviews were out before you scheduled the reading?” Jennifer persisted to Arlene, who just waved her off.
“After the reviews come out, everyone is going to want you. I’m just getting a head start,” Arlene insisted to a wary Jennifer.
“I still think you are moving too fast on the release of this book. What’s the hurry?”
“Everyone and I mean everyone who has read this book, loves it. Once you get involved with Angie, someone is going to want to make this into a movie.”
Jennifer laughed. “A movie? I think you’ve lost your mind, Arlene.”
“Can I continue with the itinerary?” Jennifer nodded with a smirk on her face. “Tomorrow, you’ll meet Angie and she’ll have a contract for you to sign. Friday, you will be on the Chicago Morning Show. Once you sign the contract with Angie, I’m sure she will have her own plans for your time.”
“How long is this train going to run?
“What’s the difference? The longer the train rides the more money you are going to make.”
“You and Angie will have to give me time to go back to New Jersey for a visit.”
“What’s so important in New Jersey?” Arlene finally asked, looking at Jennifer. “It’s a woman.” Her hand went to her head and she shook it.
“Yes, it’s a woman. A woman I lost a long time ago and I have no intention of losing her again.” Jennifer’s face showed how serious her words were.
“Well, I’m sure you will be in New York in the near future. So I’m sure we can work something out.”
Jennifer wasn’t convinced. “If it gets too much, I’m done.”
“I’ll explain to Angie your concerns and we will address you wishes.” Arlene looked at her. “Can’t she go visit you wherever you are?”
“She has a job. As a matter of fact, it’s her law firm.” Jennifer knew it wasn’t quite hers yet, but Arlene didn’t need to know that. “She can’t just pick up and leave anytime she wants to.”
“Okay, okay. Don’t start worrying already. I’ll get someone to drive you to your apartment. Angie will be here at 11:00AM tomorrow morning.”
Jennifer was exhausted by the time she reached her apartment. She picked up her phone and called Joyce.
“Are you here?” Joyce asked, excited.
“I’m here. How about dinner tonight? You and Tina?”
“I thought you might want to go out tonight. Where do you want to go?”
“I don’t have a car, so how about Vito’s down here on the corner?”
“If you want to go somewhere else, I can pick you up,” Joyce offered.
“I’m beat, Joyce. Vito’s will be fine. I don’t care about the food, I just want to see you and of course, I can’t wait to see Tina again.” Jennifer yawned loudly. “I’m sorry, Joyce, I’ve got to take a nap. How about we meet at seven?”
“See you then,” Joyce said, giggling.
Jennifer was surprised when she woke up and saw the clock said it was after five o’clock. She got up and walked toward the kitchen hoping at least there would be a bottle of cold water. Jennifer was shocked when she opened the door to the refrigerator and saw it was filled with all the essentials. Thank you, Joyce, she said to the empty room. She poured a glass of orange juice and picked up her cell phone. Reese had sent her a text an hour ago. I’m home if you want to call, Reese had written.
“Hi, Jen,” Reese said excitedly into the phone.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call earlier, but I just got up.”
“I know it’s been a long day for you. How did it go with Arlene?” Reese asked, anxious to hear Arlene’s plans. Knowing that the more Arlene had planned the longer Jennifer would be away.
“I think Arlene’s lost her mind,” she said with a chuckle.
“Why, what does she want you to do?”
“Well for one, I will be doing a reading Monday night. Me, in front of probably two people reading from my book.” She chuckled again. “It’s laughable.”
“I’m sure you will do well and I have no doubt the room will be filled with fans,” Reese assured her. “What else does she want you to do?”
“Listen to this: she thinks someone’s going to want to make my book into a movie!�
� Jennifer didn’t wait for Reese to comment. “The book will be reviewed in the large newspapers on Sunday. All I can hope for is mediocre reviews, so I can end this nonsense and come back to New Jersey.”
“Jen, I’m sorry to tell you, but after my mother read your book, she said the same thing. I agreed with her,” Reese snickered. “So I think Arlene might be right. You’re not going to be able to go anywhere without someone wanting your autograph soon.”
“I think you both are crazy, but we will see how the reviews go on Sunday. Enough about me, how are you?”
“I’m fine, Jen. Don’t worry about me.”
“Yeah, you are fine,” Jennifer said with a snicker. “That’s what I’m afraid of. Once Elise finds out I’m not there, she’s going to pursue you.”
“Pursue all she wants, I’m not interested in her,” Reese said with a laugh.
Jennifer wasn’t really worried about Elise, but she wanted Reese to know that she had every intention of coming back to her. “So you’ll be happy to see me when I get back?”
“I will be ecstatic, Jen,” Reese said softly. “Do I have to worry about all these new groupies you’re going to meet?”
“Yes, you do.” Jennifer laughed out loud. “I plan on being with at least one new fan every night.”
Reese laughed also. “You better be kidding.”
“You, my love, are the only woman in my heart.” Jennifer emphasized emphatically.
“I wasn’t talking about your heart.” Reese chuckled. “I was talking about your bed.”
“And you are the only woman who will ever be in my bed, too.” Jennifer looked at her watch. “I’m sorry to end this call, Reese, but I’ve got to get ready for dinner. Joyce will never let me hear the end of it if I’m late.”
“Go, honey. I do love you, Jen,” Reese said, and added a kiss to the phone.
“I love you, too.”
Joyce and Tina were already at the restaurant when she arrived.
Jennifer walked over to Joyce smiling. Her arms opened wide as she stepped into Joyce’s arms. “I’ve missed you my friend.”
“I’ve missed you, too,” Joyce said, and was surprised by the tears that came to her eyes. “You remember Tina?”
“Of course, I remember Tina. It’s good to see you again, Tina.” Jennifer held out her hand.
“You look the same Jennifer.” Tina’s smile was infectious. “I would have recognized you anywhere.”
“You haven’t changed either.” Jennifer looked at the two women across the table. “You two look good together. I’m happy you both are getting this second chance.”
“Speaking of second chances, how is it going with Reese?” Joyce asked, touching Jennifer.
“It was going wonderfully up until Arlene called me,” Jennifer pouted. “I know this is a great opportunity for me, but I wish Reese and I had had more time together.”
“How long do you think you’ll be away?” Tina asked.
“I’m not really sure.” Jennifer told the two women what Arlene had told her and they sat there nodding, understanding her fears. “I’ve only been gone a day and I want to go home.”
“You’re not going to live in Chicago anymore, are you?” Joyce finally asked.
“No, Joyce. My heart is where Reese is, and that’s in New Jersey,” Jennifer admitted.
“What are you going to do about your place?” Joyce asked.
“Give it up, of course.”
“Well,” Joyce said, taking Tina’s hand. “Tina and I have been talking about moving in together and both our places are too small. Your place would be perfect for us. It has the second bedroom we can use as a guest room when you or Tina’s family comes to visit.”
“Are you serious?”
Both women nodded.
“Fantastic. It’s yours. Do you want the furniture?”
“Are you kidding? I brought Tina there when I filled your refrigerator.”
“Yes, and thank you for that,” Jennifer said, interrupting Joyce.
“Well, we both like the place just as it is.” Joyce and Tina were smiling.
“All I need are my clothes and personal things,” Jennifer asserted.
“We can send those out to you if you don’t want to come back to Chicago for a while.”
“Oh, Joyce, that would be wonderful. I can’t thank you two enough.”
“Hey, you’re doing us a great favor.”
Jennifer reached for the two women’s hands. “I’m so glad you two found each other again. I really am happy for you.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
The next three weeks were a whirlwind for Jennifer Connelly. Arlene and Reese had been right about the reading, the room was filled with her lesbian fans and Middle America. The reviews had been very complimentary, although not everyone thought it was a masterpiece. She spoke to Reese every day, but the phone calls did nothing to quench their desire to be together again.
She finished a reading in San Francisco, and now she was on her way to Los Angeles. Angie had insisted that she stay at her house instead of a hotel room. Saturday morning she got up and took a dip in Angie’s pool. Angie, as usual was on the phone. Jennifer was swimming laps when her phone rang.
“Angie Wilson,” she said, picking up Jennifer’s phone without realizing it wasn’t one of her many phones.
“Angie?” Reese said, not understanding.
“Yes, who is this?” Angie questioned impatiently.
“Reese Caldwell. I thought I was calling Jennifer’s phone.”
“Jen’s attorney?” Angie asked, still impatient. “Oh, I guess this is Jen’s phone. I thought it was mine.” She laughed. “Jen’s swimming laps in my pool right now. Can she call you back?”
“Um, yes she can call me back. Thank you,” Reese said as she disconnected the phone. Swimming laps in my pool. What the hell is that about?
Angie was still on the phone when Jennifer got out of the water. She wrapped herself in a towel and took a seat on the many lounge chairs in the yard.
Angie put her phone down finally. “Your attorney called you, Jen.”
“Reese called me? Why didn’t you tell me?” Jennifer snapped.
“I am telling you, and what’s the problem?” Angie asked, not understanding.
“I’m sorry that I barked at you, but Reese is also my partner.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” Angie said, covering her mouth. “I hope she doesn’t think there’s something going on with us.” She touched Jennifer’s hand. “If you need me to explain anything, I will.”
“No, Angie. I’ll go give her a call,” she said as she walked into the house.
“Hello,” Reese said into the phone.
Jennifer knew she was in trouble. There was no happy voice, no happy greeting. “I’m sorry about Angie,” she said, trying to sound upbeat. “Angie has got one of her phones to her ear all the time and she thought she was answering her own phone.” Reese remained quiet. “I also explained how important you are to me, and no matter what, I want to speak with you.”
“Why were you in her pool?” Reese asked coldly.
Jennifer knew Reese wasn’t going to be happy with her response. “I’m staying at her house while I’m in Los Angeles,” Jennifer swallowed. “I’ve seen the inside of too many hotels lately. She thought it would give me a break.”
“Is she a lesbian?” The cold voice was still there.
Oh, crap. Jennifer thought she is going to hate this answer. “Yes,” she said softly. “Reese, you have nothing to worry about.” Jennifer tried to sound convincing without sounding desperate.
“Of course, I have nothing to worry about,” Reese sighed. “We haven’t seen each other in over three weeks and we’re back to our long distance relationship that we failed at so many years ago.” Her voice cracked.
“Oh honey, don’t cry.” Jennifer tried to lighten the conversation by making a joke. “Hey, I’ve been too busy to get into trouble. I don’t have the energy for anything, but the work I’ve been d
oing promoting this stupid book.”
Reese sniffled. “I’m sorry, Jen. I’m being such a baby. I don’t want to put extra pressure on you. It’s just my nightmares from long ago.”
“Honey, please believe that I love you and don’t think of anything else.”
“So how long will you be in L.A.?” Reese asked, trying to sound confident and light.
“I’ll be here for the rest of the week.” Jennifer knew this wasn’t what Reese wanted to hear, but she wasn’t going to lie to her.
“So is Angie pretty?” Reese asked, trying to sound casual.
Jennifer laughed. “Please, Reese, I’m not interested in anyone else. Please trust me.”
“I’m sorry, Jen. I know I’m being childish,” Reese acknowledged.
“It’s tough being away from each other, I get that, but we will be together again. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I’ll let you go. Give me a call tomorrow, if you have the chance.”
“I will, honey. I love you.”
“Love you, too. Bye.”
Jennifer walked back outside to where Angie was sitting and took a seat.
“Are you in trouble?” Angie asked, putting her phone down.
“I’ve got to get back home before I lose her again, Angie.”
“Tell me about Reese,” Angie said, touching her hand.
“We met when we were 16 years old, but we didn’t see each other for the next four years. That’s when we became lovers, but we both had college to finish. The distance and our foolish young age broke us up. We were both jealous of what the other was doing.” Jennifer took a breath. “Now ten years later we’re back in the same situation.” Jennifer shook her head. “We fell in love again, but I had to leave her again.”
“Have you given her any reason not to trust you?” Angie asked suddenly.
“No, of course, I haven’t,” Jennifer insisted.
“Then it’s her problem, not yours,” Angie persisted.
“I miss her, Angie, and I know she misses me.”
Angie sighed in defeat. “You can finish the week here in L.A., and then fly home Friday morning. When you’re scheduled to be in New York, or any other place you can fly out from New Jersey. How does that sound?”