by Lydia Rose
“You mean you actually have food in this place?” Mary asked finally smiling.
“I do. The refrigerator is full and so is the freezer. I even have pots and pans.”
“Well, how about that.” Mary was amazed that this wonderful woman was doing everything to show her love. “Nothing too complicated for this meal. How about an omelet?”
They ate their meal quickly because they both had something else on their mind. “Would you like to see our bedroom again?” Katherine asked with a sly grin.
“I thought you’d never ask.” They walked hand and hand up to the bedroom. Clothes were quickly flung across the room and they cuddled under the covers. “I’ve missed you so much, Kate,” Mary said before planting her lips firmly on the woman she loved more than anything.
The rest of the day was spent getting reacquainted with each other. Sunday they moved Mary’s clothes to the townhouse.
CHAPTER 20
The women fell into an easy routine of living together. Mary was usually home first and she had dinner waiting by the time Katherine returned home. “Did Arlene tell you the news?” Katherine asked as she came into the house.
“Yes. I can’t believe they’re getting married next month. She asked me to be her maid of honor.”
“Arlene said at her age there is no sense in having a long engagement. It’s going to be a small wedding with just family and some friends.”
“I know we won’t be able to be together until after the dinner part of the evening is done, but would you be my date for the rest of the evening?” Mary asked, kissing Katherine softly.
“I would love to.”
Mary was still holding Katherine when she said, “Nick’s sister is one of the bridesmaids.” She felt Katherine instantly stiffen against her. “She has a new girlfriend.” Mary held Katherine at arm’s length and looked at her face. The scowl she saw told her Katherine was not happy about this news.
“Did she steal someone else’s girlfriend?” Katherine asked with a smirk.
“Honey, she had no idea I was in a relationship. I’m not even sure she knew I was gay.”
“Then why did she ask you out in the first place?”
“Are you jealous?” Mary asked with her hands on Katherine’s arms.
“No. I just don’t like her type.”
“What type is that?” Mary asked not understanding.
“The type that tries to steal my girl.”
Mary giggled. “Oh, honey. Don’t you know that no one will ever be able to take me from you?” She poked Katherine in the chest. “You are the only one that can send me away.”
“I’ll never send you away.”
“Okay,” she said with a grin. “Then there is no problem.” Katherine’s grumbling as she went up the stairs to change, didn’t ease Mary’s mind.
Saturday morning wasn’t any better. “Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Katherine asked for the third time as Mary dressed.
“Honey, you’ll be bored standing around watching Arlene try on wedding dresses. Why don’t you go shopping for your dress?”
“I have a dress,” she said going to the walk-in closet. She came out with a dress covered in plastic. “I had to wear this to some dinner.” It was a turquoise knee length dress. The dress was sleeveless, but came with a short matching jacket. It had just enough sparkle to go perfectly at a wedding.
“I love it,” Mary said feeling the material. “I hope the dress Arlene makes me wear is just as pretty.” Mary kissed Katherine’s lips softly. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
“Stay away from her,” Katherine said as Mary went down the stairs. Mary laughed all the way out of the front door.
When May got to the dress shop, Arlene was already trying on dresses. Arlene had said that she didn’t want anything over the top. Just an elegant white gown that was suitable for a wedding. “Hello, everyone.”
“Mary. What do you think of this dress?” Arlene asked standing on a round platform.
“It’s pretty,” Mary answered.
“It is, but I don’t think it is the one.” Arlene stepped down and went back to the dressing room.
“Hello, Mary,” Ann said, sidling up to Mary’s side.
“Hi, Ann. Do you know the dresses Arlene has in mind for us?”
Arlene’s sister Susan jumped in. “We’re going to wear black dresses. Isn’t that so cool.”
“That’s very elegant,” Mary said with relief. Now she just hoped the dresses were as elegant as the color.
Arlene came out of the dressing room wearing another dress, but this time the dress was perfect. Everyone oohed as she stood on the platform.
“It’s perfect, Sis,” Susan commented touching the material.
Arlene looked at Ann and Mary. “It’s gorgeous, Arlene,” Mary said and Ann nodded in agreement.
While Arlene’s dress was being fitted, the three women went into the dressing room to try on the black dresses. The first one was long sleeved and a high collar. They all agreed, it wasn’t the right one. Next they tried on a mid-length sleeve that came down in a V-neck. All three women looked elegant in the dress. Now they each waited their turn to get fitted. Susan was first.
“So how are you?” Ann asked Mary.
“I’m good, Ann. How about you?”
“Oh, you know. Busy with work.”
“I heard you have a girlfriend.”
“That’s brand new so I’m not sure if I’ll bring her to the wedding.” She turned and looked at Mary. “Are you bringing anyone?”
“Yes.”
“The tall blond from the restaurant?” Ann asked keeping her voice low.
“Yes.”
“So you worked your problems out?”
“Yes. We’re living together.”
“I’m happy for you, Mary. I hope she treats you well.” Mary smiled knowing all the ways Katherine made her feel loved. “Your smile says it all.”
“I love her Ann, and I want no one else but her.” Ann walked away without commenting. After her fitting, she went back into the dressing room. Mary was standing there in a pink satin bra and pink underwear when the curtain opened.
“Susan chose this shoe,” Ann said without apologizing. “I guessed you to be a size six.”
Mary took the shoe from Ann and turned her back on her. She didn’t realize that when she turned around, Ann moved into the small room. Mary lifted a foot. “Let me help you,” Ann said taking her arm.
Mary lowered her foot. “Ann, get out. I don’t need your help.” The hurt look on Ann’s face didn’t deter Mary from escorting Ann from the room. By the time Mary left the dressing room, Ann was nowhere in sight.
“How did you like the shoe, Mary?” Susan asked.
“It’s fine.”
While Susan went up to the counter to pay, Arlene came over to her. “What happened with Ann?”
“Nothing.”
“Something happened. She came out here and said she had to leave,” Arlene insisted, holding Mary’s gaze.
“She came into the dressing room uninvited. I told her to leave.” Mary looked around before continuing. “I thought you said she had a girlfriend.”
“That’s what she said,” Arlene answered.
“I think she made that up. Why is she so hung up on me?” Mary asked innocently.
“Honey, I’m straight and even I can see what a beautiful woman you are. Besides your looks, you are a wonderful person. The perfect package.”
“But she knows I’m with someone else.”
“Yes, but she’s never seen the two of you together as a couple. I’m sure she will see you two at the rehearsal dinner. That should make her understand that you are not a free woman.” Arlene touched Mary’s hand. “Do you want me to speak with Nick?”
“No, Arlene. I don’t want to make a big deal out of this.”
Mary came back into the house later in the afternoon. “I’m home,” she called as she walked into the house.
Ka
therine came out of the kitchen eating an apple. “I thought you’d never get here. I’m starving.”
“Of course you are,” Mary said kissing Katherine’s cheek.
“How about we go to that pub down the street?”
“Sure.”
“So how did the dress search go?” Katherine asked once they were seated in a booth.
“Arlene picked out her dress and we have ours.”
“Your dress isn’t some hot pink puffy dress is it?” Katherine asked making a face.
Mary grinned. “Thank god, no. We are wearing black dresses.”
“Black?” Katherine asked shocked.
“It’s very elegant. The bride in white and us in black dresses.”
Katherine shrugged. “Whatever you say. So how was Ann?”
Mary moved her eyes from her lovers face to the menu. “Fine.”
“Somehow I don’t believe you,” she said grumbling.
Mary lowered her menu. “I told her I’m with you.”
“So she left you alone?”
“For a while.” Mary closed the menu. “She is not taking no easily.”
“I’ll have a talk with that bitch at the rehearsal dinner.”
“Kate, please don’t cause a scene. Just ignore her.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
CHAPTER 21
Mary and Katherine were dressing for the rehearsal dinner. Katherine was wearing a black pants suit that made her appear even taller with the black boots she was wearing. Mary had on a navy dress and tall heels. She walked over to Katherine and placed her hands on her chest. “No scenes tonight.”
“I’ll try, but she better leave you alone.”
“Let me handle it. I don’t need you to come to my rescue,” Mary said the words, but she hoped that she could handle the situation if one did arise. They left the house and got into the waiting cab.
Katherine left Mary with the wedding party and she went into the room that would be used for the ceremony. She took a seat and waved to Arlene’s parents. The two people sitting in front of her turned. “Hello,” the woman said.
“Hello.” Katherine stood up. “I’m Katherine Willow.”
“Oh hello, I’m Rita and this is Peter. We’re Nick’s parents.”
“It’s so nice to meet you. You have a wonderful son,” she said smiling.
“You are Arlene’s boss, right?” Peter asked.
“Yes.”
“Katherine is also the Secretary of Agriculture.” Rita was smiling. “It’s so nice of you to be here. I’m sure you have such a busy schedule.”
“Arlene is worth it.” Katherine continued to smile, but she felt as if she were being scrutinized. The wedding party coming into the room distracted Nick’s parents. Katherine watched as the best man and groomsmen took their places up front. Then Susan and Ann walked into the room as the wedding march began to play. Katherine stood up as Mary entered the room. As she approached Katherine winked at her which caused the smile she was wearing to brighten even more. Then the bride stood at the doorway. Arlene was on the arm of her dad and they walked toward the front.
With the rehearsal completed, the group walked over to the room that would serve for the meal. Mary took her seat next to Katherine. “Hi.”
“Hey.” Katherine leaned closer. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you, honey.” They were gazing into each other’s eyes as Ann approached.
“Mom, Dad, did you meet Katherine?” Ann asked taking the seat next to Mary.
“Yes, honey. We met her in the rehearsal hall.”
The meal was served and Ann leaned over Mary to speak with Katherine. “Arlene is lucky that you could take time out of your schedule to be here. Aren’t you missing an important dinner to be here?” Ann brought up meeting Katherine for the first time.
“Nothing is more important than being here tonight, Ann.” Katherine’s eyes were narrow as she spoke to Ann. She now felt Mary’s hand on her thigh and gently squeezed. “Rita and Peter, you must be so proud to have a doctor in the family,” Katherine said looking at Ann’s parents.
“We are, but Ann needs to settle down too. Her younger brother will be having children before Ann does,” Rita offered looking at her daughter.
This information told Katherine that they had no idea about their daughter’s sexuality. Maybe she had just found Ann’s Achilles heel. “Maybe Ann will find a nice single man at the wedding.” Katherine was smiling as she spoke to them.
“Yeah, maybe you can too, Katherine,” Ann said, not disguising her anger.
“Nick says there will be several lobbyists at the wedding. I’m sure some of them will be around your age, Ann.” Rita looked at her daughter as she spoke.
“That’s nice. I’ll make sure Mary and I meet some of those guys,” she said with a chuckle. “I know a lobbyist would not be appropriate for the Secretary of Agriculture. We might be able to find Katherine a man that is suitable for her.”
“Excuse me,” Katherine said standing up and leaving the table.
While the rest of the table was talking, Mary used this time to speak with Ann. “I don’t know what you are trying to do, but stop it.”
“Your girlfriend started it.”
“You both are going to stop this. I’ll speak with Kate.” Mary didn’t speak with Ann the rest of the evening and they excused themselves when the meal was over.
Inside the house, Katherine helped Mary with her coat. “You two have got to stop being so childish.”
“She started it.”
Mary shook her head and placed a hand on Katherine’s arm. “Do you hear yourself? You both are acting like teenagers.”
“I’m sorry, Mary. She just gets to me.”
“Ignore her because I am.” Mary pulled Katherine down for a kiss. “You’ve got me. So stop acting like you are battling for my affection.”
“I’ve got you?” Katherine asked with a grin.
“Never doubt that, Kate.” They kissed before climbing the stairs together.
Mary left early the following morning. Everyone was meeting at Arlene’s parents’ home where they would dress before the ceremony. Two hours later, they all got into the limousine. Ann seemed to be on her best behavior and left Mary alone.
As Mary walked down the aisle, she saw there were tears in Katherine’s eyes. Mary gave her a small wink and a smile as she passed her. The wedding party went off to take pictures after the ceremony and the rest of the group were led to the room for the cocktail hour. Katherine recognized some of the people in the room and mingled with the crowd as only a politician could do. The wedding party was introduced and everyone took their seats. Katherine was seated at a table with Arlene’s friends from work. Everyone introduced themselves around the table.
One of Arlene’s friends stated, “Katherine is the Secretary of Agriculture.”
The men seemed impressed with this statement. “Tonight I am just a friend of the bride,” she said trying to deflect attention from her. The women seemed suddenly shy around her, but the men had no problem making Katherine feel part of the group. Now someone introduced the first dance. She watched as Arlene and Nick went out onto the dance floor. Now the rest of wedding party took their places out front. Katherine watched as the best man took Mary into his arms. Her jealousy was rising and she went over to the bar for a drink. She knew she had to get her jealousy under control and do it quickly.
The meal was now being served. Katherine watched as the best man whispered into Mary’s ear. His hand laid possessively around the back of Mary’s chair. Again, Katherine felt her jealousy rise to the surface. She’s not cheating on you. Mary has no choice but to sit there and be polite. That’s what her brain said, but her heart was aching. She hated having to live in this stifling closet and not tell the world she was in love with the most wonderful girl in the world. The meal seemed painstakingly long. Finally, she watched as Mary left the head table and walked over to Katherine. Katherine couldn’t di
sguise her pleasure in this fact.
“Hi,” she said casually laying her hand on Katherine’s shoulder.
“Mary, let me introduce you to everyone,” Katherine said and began the introductions.
Sam, being the gentleman he was, pulled over a chair for Mary to take a seat at the table.
“Your duties are over?” Katherine asked softly. Mary nodded. “Would you like to get a drink?”
“Yes.” The women excused themselves and walked over to the bar.
“You have another admirer,” Katherine said with a nod of head toward the best man.
“Kevin was just being polite,” Mary answered trying to keep Katherine’s jealousy under control.
Katherine didn’t believe it for a moment as she watched him approach them. “Mary, would you like to dance?”
“Thank you, Kevin, but not right now.” Mary answered trying to politely let Kevin down.
He looked at Katherine who didn’t hide her scowl. “Sure.” He walked away.
“Stop scowling, Kate,” Mary said giggling.
Now they were being approached by another group of men. “Crap,” Katherine whispered, recognizing one of them as a lobbyist.
“Madame Secretary,” one man said holding out his hand.
Katherine politely took his hand. “Tonight, I am just Katherine.” The other men introduced themselves as lobbyists too and tried to talk politics. “Gentlemen, I appreciate it, but I will not be talking politics tonight.” Katherine led Mary away from the bar toward the restrooms. “Can we leave?”
Mary laughed. “No, we can’t leave.” They walked into the seating area of the rest room and took a seat.
“It’s not fair,” Katherine said softly.
“What isn’t fair?” Mary asked moving closer to Katherine.
“That we have to pretend. I want to dance with you the way he did.”
Mary smiled. “I want that too, but we don’t live in that type of world.” She rested her hand on Katherine’s arm. “You can dance the fast dances with me.”
“I don’t fast dance.”
“Maybe you should make an exception tonight?” Mary looked around the room and stole a kiss from Katherine. “You feel better?”