No One But You

by Catherine Maiorisis

  “What?” Lily choked on the champagne.

  “Oops, open mouth, insert foot. I guess you didn’t tell her?”

  “No, I didn’t.” Robin’s voice was so deep it was almost a growl. “Better start thinking before you speak, Emma. It’s a long way down to the ground from here. Oh good, here comes our melon and prosciutto.” She waited for Tammie to serve before turning to Lily.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. After we worked there, I thought a lot about the people in need and the volunteers trying to help them, and it seemed to me that it shouldn’t be such a struggle to deliver such an important service, filling a basic human need.” She cleared her throat. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to know I had so much money or to think I was trying to buy your affection. Please don’t be upset with me.”

  Lily’s fingers caressed the nape of Robin’s neck. “I’m surprised, not upset. I knew about the million dollars they got, but it never occurred to me that you were the anonymous donor. Of course, that was before I knew you were a billionaire.” She hugged Robin. “That was generous. And doing it anonymously makes it seem genuine. It’s what I would expect of you.”

  “So all’s well that ends well?”

  “You’re pushing it, Emma. Why don’t you entertain us with scintillating conversation that has nothing to do with me? Tell us about your latest book.”

  “Ah, yes. Women in the Middle East: Past, Present, and Future will be out in two weeks. I have a few copies with me if anyone would like one. Actually, Annie, you may be interested in the chapters on ancient women, common and royal.”

  The conversation was fascinating. The two academics argued some finer points and found agreement on many others. Robin, of course, had already read Emma’s book and many others on Middle Eastern history and held her own with them.

  Lily was most interested in the oppression of the women and how they would fare in the future. “So if women aren’t allowed to be educated and face the threat of death for exercising the simplest right, can anything change?”

  Emma opened her mouth, glanced at Robin and closed it.

  Robin cleared her throat. “Actually, Katie and I have been discussing using some of our money to help that change along. And Emma has been really helpful with identifying the issues. But can we move this discussion into something a little lighter?”

  Everyone laughed. Annie asked if anybody had seen any good movies and they shifted gears. They ended up laughing their way through the typical Italian meal of several small courses: after the melon, pasta con cacio e pepe (cheese and pepper), then grilled fresh sardines with string beans, fresh fruit and espresso.

  Lily ate the last bite of pineapple and pushed the plate away. “Dinner was delicious. Am I the only one stuffed?” Judging by the groans, she wasn’t. “Can we take a walk?”

  “Sure. We can go down to the esplanade.” They all stood. Robin threw her arm over Lily’s shoulder while the two academics still deep in conversation faced each other. “Just let me talk to…oh, Tammie.”

  Tammie snapped a couple of quick pictures, then handed the camera to Robin.

  “Thanks. Everything was great, as usual. We’re going to take a walk and if you’re ready to leave before we get back just pull the door shut. Do you want cash or would you rather bill me?”

  “Bill. You or DCTI?”

  “Me. And thanks again for a delicious meal.”

  As they were getting ready to leave the apartment, Robin pulled Lily into her arms. “Are we okay about the money?”

  Lily sighed. “I’m working on it. I think maybe it can be managed. Give me a little time.”

  They exited the building and as they walked arm and arm to the esplanade along the Hudson River, Robin glanced back at their two friends who were deep in conversation. “They seem to be hitting it off, don’t you think?”

  “I do think. They’re both positively glowing. I believe you hit the jackpot, Ms. DiLuca.”

  Robin nuzzled Lily’s neck. “There’s only one jackpot that interests me at this moment, Ms. Alexander. Can you guess?”

  “Hmm. What could it be?”

  “By the way, I know it’s only weeks after our week in Paris for New Year’s Eve but will you do me the honor of going to Davos with me in January? After all, your mama will be there to chaperone.”

  Right, Paris. “Yes. If we’re still…yes, I’d love to.” She’d almost said if they were still seeing each other.

  Robin leaned over and brought their lips together.

  Emma giggled. “Hey, no smooching in front of the kids.”

  Robin looked up. “Try it, I think you’ll like it. We won’t look.”

  Lily glanced over her shoulder at the giggling and rustling coming from behind them. It seemed their friends had taken Robin’s advice and were in a clinch. Robin opened her mouth, but Lily put her finger on her lips. “Leave them be, sweetie.”

  They walked a while longer before Robin texted the car service to pick them up in front of her building. While they waited, Lily said, “Next date is my choice again. So how about a week from Saturday?”

  “Terrific. The soup kitchen again?”

  It was time to see whether another date that didn’t include an expensive restaurant and nightlife would turn Robin off. “No, I’ll do that this week so we can have a fun date. My treat all day and evening. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. We’ll start with breakfast at my favorite place at ten, then walk around Manhattan and do some sightseeing. Would you would enjoy that?”

  “It sounds like fun.” Robin was grinning like a ten-year-old. “I haven’t done anything like that since Katie and I moved here from California. Can we eat hot dogs and pastrami sandwiches and pizza?”

  “Only if you’re good.” She put her hand over Robin’s eyes. “No wiggling of eyebrows, please. Is Katie an ex-lover?”

  Robin suddenly became serious. “Katie was…is…my best friend and my family and my business partner and so much more, but we’ve never been lovers. She’s straight.”

  She knew why she feared commitment, but she’d wondered about Robin’s reason. Maybe it was unrequited love. “It sounds like she’s important to you. I’d love to hear more about her and your relationship. Unless, of course, you think I’m being intrusive.”

  Robin opened her arms wide. “I’m an open book, Lily Alexander. There’s nothing I want to hide from you, but let’s wait until we meet again. Maybe I can tell you on one of our walks.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Robin in London

  When the cat’s away, inevitably she’ll play. The thought popped into her mind as she stared at the pictures of Robin on the gossip page in the New York Post Annie had brought over.

  “It was open to this page when I sat down at Starbucks and Robin’s face jumped out at me. I know you don’t read trashy newspapers or watch TV news, but I didn’t want you to see it by accident or worse have someone call you about it.”

  In glorious color, Robin’s beautiful face did jump off the page. Lily nodded and read the article.

  Technology Billionaire Robin DiLuca Celebrates in London

  There was no shortage of beautiful women hanging onto to every word uttered by Robin DiLuca, the world’s most eligible lesbian bachelorette, who was in London celebrating the opening of a new office for DiLuca Cooper Technologies International. Word on the street is that DiLuca spends nights drinking and dancing, then takes one or more of the models and actresses home to play. Page Six previously reported that DiLuca has been seen about New York with someone she’s serious about, someone she’s been keeping off the radar. Has that romance gone poof?

  Aware of Annie watching her, she studied the pictures again—one of the grinning Robin being kissed on each cheek by two gorgeous women; another of Robin kissing a redhead whose face was not visible; another of her holding up a glass for a toast while surrounded by women. What did she expect, being seductive, reeling Robin in, then not making sex a priority? Lily tried not to care, but tear
s stung her eyes. She put the paper down, picked up her cup of coffee and looked at Annie. “I guess you were right.”

  “About her finding someone else? I’m not so sure. I think you’re the one she’s serious about. Besides, it’s a gossip column, for cripes sake. For example, we know she doesn’t drink.” Annie patted Lily’s hand. “She’s unique. A gorgeous, self-made lesbian billionaire business owner. Oh, and did I mention hot? Of course she’s a celebrity. It’s probably good publicity for the company.”

  Lily stared into her cup. “I don’t know what to do, Annie. I think I’m falling in love with her and I know I’m crazy attracted to her, but I’m afraid that once we make love I’m going to lose her.”

  “You’re still letting Micki fuck with your head and you need to get past her. You are an extremely desirable woman and you damn well know that Robin thinks so.”

  Lily nodded. “I want to believe. But then I think, if I’m so desirable why did Micki just toss me aside like a dirty tissue?”

  “It seems to me you want Robin to prove you’re desirable. But you need to deal with your feelings of inadequacy, rid yourself of Micki’s poison, or you’ll be trapped between want and fear forever. And probably lose Robin. I strongly suggest you consider therapy. If you’re interested, I know a good therapist.” She pulled a notebook out of her bag and wrote the name and telephone number. She tore the page out and handed it to Lily. “I’m having dinner with Emma tonight. Do you want me to pump her for information?”

  Lily thought about it, then shook her head. “No. I’ll talk about it with Robin when she gets back. If we still have a date, that is.”

  Annie stood. “You’re overreacting to the article, but I do think you should make an appointment with the therapist. And, now, I must go prep for my noon class.”

  Lily stared at the pictures for a little longer, reread the article, especially the line about someone she’s serious about, then folded the paper and walked it to the incinerator room in the hall. She rinsed the coffee cups, put them in the dishwasher, then, shaking her head at her silliness, she retrieved the newspaper from the incinerator room and carried it and the therapist’s information into her office.

  She sat at her desk a long time, staring at the pictures of Robin cavorting with the gang of fawning women. Annie was right. She was letting Micki’s selfishness, Micki’s careless abuse of her feelings and Micki’s heartless public abandonment of her keep her from trusting that the person she was falling in love with could love her. She took a deep breath and keyed in the number Annie had given her for Hillary Martieri.

  Feeling calmer once she’d made the appointment, she turned on her computer and reread what she’d written yesterday to bring herself back into the story she was writing. When her landline rang, she let the answering machine pick it up since anybody close to her knew she didn’t take calls during her workday. Then, suddenly aware it was Robin’s voice leaving the message, she grabbed the phone. “Hi.”

  “Hey. I know you don’t like interruptions when you’re working, but I thought you might pick up the landline if you heard me leaving a message. I’ve been missing you and I wanted to hear your sexy voice.”

  She was breathless with excitement at hearing from Robin. “I bet you say that to all the girls.” She hesitated. “I saw in this morning’s paper you’re having a grand old time drinking and dancing. And taking girls home to play.” Damn, she didn’t want to push her away.

  She heard a quick intake of breath. “Well, I cannot tell a lie. I have been dancing up a storm, fast ones only, but you know I don’t drink and the only girl I want to play with is in New York. Dare I hope you’re jealous?”

  “Maybe. If you were here, I could explain it better.”

  “Hmm. Is telephone sex allowed while dating?”

  She closed her eyes and imagined touching herself while Robin… “Maybe after we’ve made love for real but not for the first time.”

  “But I don’t have to account to you what I do when I’m alone with my thoughts of you, do I?”

  She was having difficulty breathing. “No talking about sex. Tell me about London.”

  Robin took a deep breath. “We’ve been working all day into the evening, hiring staff and getting things set up here, then I’ve been hitting the clubs at eleven or twelve. Needless to say, I’m exhausted. Katie says I’m getting in the way. She insists she and the five employees we brought over to stay and train can do what needs to be done.”

  “Too much partying?”

  “Actually, the partying is because I haven’t adjusted to the time difference and I need to burn off energy. But my mind seems to be back in New York.”

  Was Robin’s mind on her? Or was she talking about the business? “I guess it’s hard to leave the New York office to run itself.”

  “Not really. Between Jan and the senior staff, everything is under control. It’s…other things. Uh, so I’m leaving tomorrow morning. And I was hoping we could spend Thursday afternoon and evening together, even though we’re already committed to our Saturday date.”

  “That would be nice.” Robin was coming home to her. Lily wanted to shout it, but she managed to maintain her cool.

  “I think you’ll like what I have planned. I’ll pick you up at noon. Wear shorts or anything comfortable and sandals or other comfortable shoes.”

  Lily put the phone down, did a little happy dance, then picked up her cell and texted Annie. She couldn’t stop grinning.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Coney Island

  Prompt as usual, Robin was leaning against the doorframe when Lily opened the door. The green tank top she was wearing over dark green shorts made her green eyes pop. Her smile was blinding. Suddenly Lily felt shy. What had she done to deserve the attention of this gorgeous creature? They kissed, but when she felt them heating up, she turned to lock the door.

  In the elevator, Robin cleared her throat. “I know you prefer public transportation, but I’m still tired from the trip and the time change, so I hope it’s okay that Tanya will be driving us.”

  “Of course.” Lily touched her face. “Where are we going?”

  Robin put an arm over Lily’s shoulder. “Have you ever been to Coney Island?”

  Lily’s eyes widened. “I’ve been wanting to go there.”

  “I thought we’d have hot dogs at Nathan’s, then walk over to the Aquarium. If we’re up for it, we can do some rides or just walk on the beach. Okay?”

  “Super.”

  As Lily chatted with Tanya, Robin slumped against her. She turned. Robin had fallen asleep and her head was bouncing against the seat back because of the rough highway. She put her arm around Robin, cradled her head on her breast, then kissed her forehead. She looked up and met Tanya’s eyes in the rearview mirror. They smiled and drove the rest of the trip in silence.

  When they turned off the highway, Robin woke and nuzzled Lily’s neck. “Umm. I’ll bet if you’d come to London with me, I would have slept.”

  Lily raised her eyebrows. “Really?” She whispered into Robin’s ear. “You think we would have slept?”

  “Oh, God, Lily, don’t do that to me in my weakened state. You keep whispering sweet nothings in my ear, I might have an orgasm in the car.”

  Lily kissed her ear and whispered. “Okay, sweetie.”

  Robin groaned.

  The car stopped. “Nathan’s.” Tanya shifted to face them. “What time should I pick you up?”

  “I’ll text you when we’re ready. Give your aunt my regards.” They slid out of the car. Robin took Lily’s hand. “So do you do that naturally or are you just a tease?”

  Lily flushed. She tried to drop Robin’s hand, but Robin held tight.

  “Being near you makes me feel sexy and that stuff just pops out. It seems the universe is doing everything possible to keep us from making love.”

  Robin put her arms around her and turned her so they were face to face. “All I think about is having sex with you. I think the lack of sleep is making me s
ensitive and cranky. I’ve been looking forward to seeing you today and hopefully having a night of hot and heavy sex.”

  Lily nodded. “I don’t mean to tease. I’m desperate to make love with you.” It didn’t escape Lily that they were still using different terms; she talked about making love, Robin about sex. And there was something in Robin’s tone of voice when she said “hot and heavy” that made Lily uncomfortable.

  “It’s damn hard wanting you like this.” She tilted Lily’s face and kissed her nose. “But let’s get to the important stuff. What do you like on your hot dog?”

  True to form, Robin asked a passerby to take a picture of them eating their hot dogs, then they strolled over to the Aquarium. It turned out that Robin, the Florida girl, had never been to an aquarium and took great delight in every exhibit. Like a child, she was wide-eyed to be able to experience the antics of the seals and the scariness of the sharks up close. She studied each exhibit with care, almost as if she was memorizing the information provided, but she seemed to know so much more than shown on the posters near the tanks. When she had a question about the sharks, she asked to see the Aquarium employee responsible for them and engaged her in a fifteen-minute conversation that was so far over Lily’s head that she wandered away to a nearby bench to wait for her. It occurred to Lily that Robin knew a lot about a lot of things and could hold her own in discussions with professionals like Annie and Emma and someone who specialized in sharks. She’d been impressed by the range and the scope of the books in Robin’s apartment and now, remembering what Emma said about Robin reading her suitemates’ textbooks and trying to absorb everything they learned, she wondered where Robin fell on the genius scale. Not too intimidating!

  The Cyclone was another story. Not surprising, Robin had never ridden a roller coaster, and now looking up at the huge wooden monster, she hesitated. “It doesn’t look very safe.” She pulled her phone out. “Maybe we should see how many people die here every year?”

  “Well, sweetie, the Cyclone is a classic. I assume it would be shut down if it wasn’t safe. Let’s do it so you can cross it off your lifetime list of things to do. It’s fun to be scared. We can hug and hold onto each other and scream together. What’s not to like?”