Through much of the darkest days of the winter Abby hadn’t had a scrap of work to take her mind off her troubles. It was mid April before Harry called with another contract, but it was a big one and it took her several weeks to complete it. It had carried her through to the end of May and Abby was now filled with hope as the last of the snows melted away and the promise of spring began to be fulfilled.
“Hello Abby, I haven’t seen you all winter,” laughed the small gray haired woman as she hurried Abby into the chair. “What have you been up to?”
“Nothing mostly,” smiled Abby as she relaxed. “I made it in once, but you were in Florida or some other despicable place like that.”
“Jealousy will get you no where my dear,” laughed the woman. “So what are we doing to you today? Dying it black?”
“Bite your tongue,” gasped Abby in mock horror. “Cut and style please Carol. Take it up to about shoulder length.”
“Yes my dear,” replied Carol as she set to work. They chatted easily for some time as she worked and Abby relaxed completely. Carol was nearly finished when a young woman came in asking if she could put up a poster and if Carol would sell tickets for her.
“Tickets to what?”
“The all woman dance, it’s the first one of the year.”
“Sure thing, my ducky, just leave it there on the counter and I’ll see to it for you.”
“What was all that about?” asked another customer.
“The all woman dance,” replied Carol as she finished up with Abby’s hair. “It’s the first one this year.”
“Count me in,” replied the woman. “I’ll take three tickets. My sister will want to go for sure.”
“You should get a ticket too Abby. This is just the thing to get rid of the old winter blues.”
“No thanks, male strippers don’t do a thing for me. You’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all.”
“Oh my dear, there’s no male strippers at this dance. The dance is just for women. It was started several years ago by some of the lesbians as a way to get out and meet other women, but it caught on like wildfire and now folks are fighting for tickets every time.”
“Really,” said Abby mockingly.
“Yes really, Miss snobby Abigail MacKai,” retorted Carol, shaking a hair brush at Abby. “We get out away from the men for an evening and have a great time. There are a lot of the lesbians there for sure, but everybody is on best behavior. It is just a way to meet folks and dance, that’s all.”
“Ok, Ok,” laughed Abby. “What the heck, I’ll go. Where is it anyway?”
“Probably at one of the bars downtown; the address, date, and time will be on the ticket. Want to come with us? There will be most of us from the salon here as well as some friends of ours.”
“Sure Abby,” laughed the manicurist, “we’ll protect you from those nasty old lesbians, don’t worry.”
“That sounds so reassuring Gwen,” purred Abby, winking at Carol, “but who says I want to be protected?” Her rich laughter filled the salon as Gwen blushed to her roots. She walked over to Gwen putting lots of sway in hips as she did. Licking her lips lasciviously Abby rubbed her hip against Gwen’s shoulder. “Remember sweetie, you promised me a slow dance.” Everyone was laughing heartily as Gwen blushed crimson.
“I’ll get you for that, Abby MacKai.”
“Promises, promises,” grinned Abby, causing Gwen to blush even deeper.
“For god’s sake Carol,” begged Gwen, “throw her out before I die of embarrassment.”
“Lord, Abby, you’re sure full of it today, are you heading right home or are you staying in town?”
“I’m having dinner with Billy and his grandmother,” smiled Abby as she paid her bill and for the ticket to the dance. “Billy’s taking me to the movies afterward. I could introduce you to him Gwen, he’s really cute.”
“Go away Abby, I’m not talking to you anymore,” retorted Gwen with mock indignation.
“You started it.”
“Yes, and I am very sorry that I did,” laughed Gwen. “Just for being so mean to me it would serve you right if I did steal your boyfriend.”
“You don’t have to steal honey,” purred Abby, “I’ll share.”
“Out,” exclaimed Gwen as she pointed to the door, “get out.”
Abby was still giggling as she headed for the car. “June eighth,” she mused as she pulled away from the curb. “What the heck, it might be fun.” She didn’t see the tall brunette who had stopped to stare at her from the sidewalk, but in less that two weeks they would finally meet.
The Invitation
A gentle breeze floated across the rocks high up on the windswept bluff. The warmth of the sun slowly dried the drops of dew that clung to the brightly colored flowers which hugged the ground just out of the main path of the winds. There wasn’t a lot of soil up here among the barrens, but where there was there appeared an abundance of life each spring. Tiny delicate wildflowers clung tenaciously to the rocks and bloomed with unbridled enthusiasm.
On this particular day, something unusual was about to happen. This tiny cluster of vibrant pink blossoms was about to have a visitor. Moving slowly, almost stealthily, a tall dark haired woman with a camera in her hand stepped as carefully and gracefully as a hunting cat. “So there you are,” she smiled as she spied the small clump of blossoms. “I knew if I could be patient enough I’d find you.”
Carefully she positioned herself and focused her camera. Checking the light and sources of shadow, she took several shots from different angles before she was completely satisfied. With a deep sigh of contentment Hazel Fillmore sat on a rock and admired the small blossoms for a while before taking up her camera and backing slowly away. Carefully, gingerly, she made her way back to the main trail without stepping on a single flower. Once on the trail she broke into an easy run. An hour later she reached the main road once again.
Taking her cell phone from her pack, Hazel placed her call. “I’m all clear Tommy, come and get me.”
“On my way sweetie, but I’ll be a few minutes.”
“Just stop flirting with the boys and pick me up,” laughed Hazel as she closed the connection and folded up her phone. She took a deep breath and sighed with pure pleasure. It was such a beautiful day and she was very pleased with herself. Today’s flowers had been a rare and beautiful find. All she would ever ask of life was a day as good as today, and then her day suddenly got a lot better.
As Hazel dropped her cell phone back into her pack a car pulled to a stop beside her. A clear sweet voice spoke and Hazel turned to find herself gazing into the bluest eyes she had ever seen. Hazel was suddenly face to face with the mystery blonde who had haunted her thoughts and dreams for so long. “What??” she asked, completely lost in those crystal blue eyes.
“Sorry,” giggled the golden one, “I didn’t mean to startle you. I asked if you need a ride.”
“Huh? Ride? Sorry,” laughed Hazel as she shook off the spell and recovered her wits. “No, actually I just called for my ride on my cell phone.”
Suddenly afraid the vision might drive away, Hazel sought desperately for some way to keep the conversation going, but the blonde goddess was way ahead of her. “So what are you up to way out here in the middle of nowhere anyway?” she inquired with a smile that bedazzled Hazel’s wits once again.
“Taking pictures,” replied Hazel softly as she fought for control.
“Pictures?”
“Yes, I photograph rare and unusual plants and flowers. My name’s Hazel.”
“Abby MacKai,” replied the golden one as she got out of the car and shook Hazel’s hand warmly. Thrills and chills ran up Hazel’s spine at her touch and Hazel was reluctant to let her go. “Are you the Hazel Fillmore who did that fabulous book I bought last winter? The Hazel Fillmore?”
“That’s me,” smiled Hazel shyly, “although I have never been called T-H-E before.”
“Listen my dear,” smiled Abby as she finally released Hazel’s hand and sh
ut the car door, “you’re absolutely brilliant. Many of those plants grow near my home out on the point, and, during the cold grey months of winter, I often spent entire days with that book on my lap reminding myself of the beauty to come in spring.”
“Thank you,” beamed Hazel, “that’s really nice.”
“There are many others that grow out on the point,” Abby smiled sweetly. “You could come spend a few days with me and explore the possibilities.”
“Oh god, I’d love to,” enthused Hazel, her bright smile lighting up Abby’s world. “It would depend on when I can get two days off work together, but I’d love to.”
“Out to Jamaica Point,” declared Abby as she pointed down the lonely road. “Number thirteen Gully Bank Road. I’m always home or close by if I’m not. I’ll tell the neighbors to expect you so they can let you in if I’m not right there. They will be thrilled to meet you in person.”
“They will?”
“I gave them a copy of your book for Christmas. They loved it. In fact, I bought several copies to give to all my friends and family.”
“That was you. Tommy was so excited about it when he told me.”
“Tommy, that’s the nice gay man who sold me the books?”
“That’s him,” laughed Hazel. “So what makes you think he’s gay?”
“In all modesty dear,” grinned Abby wickedly, “if I can’t draw at least one glance, the man is surely suspect.”
“Oh my dear, I’ll certainly grant you that,” breathed Hazel, then she blushed to her roots.
Abby was smiling with pure delight. “So can I get my copy autographed when you come out?” she asked sweetly.
“Oh, absolutely. Abby are you sure about this?”
“I’d be honored.”
Suddenly there was an ear splitting “WOOF” from the back seat of the car. “Oh my goodness, does the man want out?” asked Abby as she opened the back door of the car. A huge lop eared dog leaped to the ground and sped away into the trees.
“Will he come back?”
“Sure, just as soon as the paperwork is finished. See here he comes now.” Wriggling with delight the huge dog squirmed between them, snuffling busily at Hazel. “He won’t hurt you,” said Abby reassuringly, “he’s very gentle.”
“I grew up on a farm,” laughed Hazel as she began to wrestle playfully with the dog. “I like dogs, don’t I big fella.” The dog responded by trying to lick her face as she tried to avoid it.
“That’s wonderful,” laughed Abby. “I can see there will be harmony in the house when you visit; that is quite promising. Damn, I’m going to be late. I have an appointment in the city to get the car serviced and I dare not be late or it will be another month before I can get it in. Hazel, please forgive me, but I must run.”
“Wait just a second,” cried Hazel as she hurriedly scooped up her camera. “Can I get a shot of you and the man there?”
Abby gave Hazel her brightest smile. As Hazel snapped the photo, Abby hurried the dog into the back seat then leaped behind the wheel. “Come visit me?” she asked as she started the car.
“Love to Abby,”
“Soon?”
“Yes, as soon as I can; would late next week be too soon?”
“Perfect, you promise?”
“I promise,” laughed Hazel.
“Say it like you mean it,” called Abby as she sped away, waving her arm out the window.
“I promise,” shouted Hazel as she waved in return.
Hazel had only a moment or two to reflect on what had just happened before Tommy arrived. “What is it honey?” he asked as he saw the look of deep concern on her face.
“Tommy, there’s something I can’t put off any longer,” she said softly as she gently squeezed his arm.
“I’m listening. What is it Hazel?”
“Tommy, remember when you proposed to me?”
“Like it was yesterday,” he replied, “but ...”
“Hush my Tommy boy,” she sighed softly, gently laying her fingers on his arm. “I am so terribly sorry, I do love you dearly, and I know full well that you would treat me better than I have a right to expect, but I just can’t. Tommy, I’m sorry, I just can’t.”
“Oh my god,” he breathed softly as he gazed into her eyes, “you’ve met the wildflower, haven’t you?”
She just nodded her head, tears in her eyes. “When? Who? Where?”
“Just after I called you to come and get me. Tommy, she’s the mystery blonde. Her name is Abby and she lives out at Jamaica Point.”
“Is it real? Is she interested?”
“I don’t know anything at all,” sighed Hazel. “It all happened so fast. I heard a car stop and there she was. We talked for a while, introduced ourselves; god, I can still feel the tingle from the touch of her hand. She said there are lots of wildflowers out on the rocks at the point, and she invited me to come spend a few days with her so I can photograph them. Tommy, I have no idea where this could go, but I have to try.”
“Girl you’ve got it bad. The mighty Hazel has been smitten and at last the Holy Grail has been found. Well I must say I am disappointed, but I am relieved as well.”
“Relieved?”
“I’ve been two timing you Hazel,” he said shyly as he pulled out onto the road and started to drive. “I met someone about two months ago. Charlie works as the university library and one day we got to talking. After that we talked almost every day. About three weeks ago we started going out and I have been going crazy trying to find a way to tell you.”
“Oh yeah?” Hazel said in mock indignation. “So what were you going to do if I said yes?”
Tommy pulled the car over again and gazed into her eyes. “In all the world you are the only one who ever really gave a damn about me Hazel,” he whispered softly. “I’d have made it my life’s mission to make you a good husband.”
“I know you would have sweetie, and I know you would have succeeded, but we would both be cheating ourselves if we married and you know it.”
“Yes I do. So tell me more about the mystery blonde,” he urged as he pulled back onto the road.
“Well, her name is Abby and she knew you were gay,” laughed Hazel.
“How did she know that?”
“You didn’t give her a second glance. Keep going Tommy; I want to see where she lives. I know she won’t be there right now, but I want to see the house.”
Tommy followed the road out through Pike’s Cove and on toward Jamaica Point. As they passed through the row of houses, people stopped to stare as they went slowly by. “I guess they don’t see a lot of strange cars out here,” grinned Hazel. As they topped the hill and saw the last few houses, Hazel knew this had to be the place. “That’s it there, number thirteen Gully Bank Road. My god, this is even better than I imagined it could be.”
“A beautiful wildflower growing among the rocks and crags,” whispered Tommy softly. “Hazel my dear, I do so hope this will work out for you. This is the sort of place you should be. I just know you would thrive out here. Shall we go down for a closer look?”
“No, let’s go home Tommy,” sighed Hazel as she settled back in her seat. “I want to get the pictures developed.”
“So you got her picture did you?” he grinned as he turned the car around and headed back toward the city.
“Yes I did, Smarty Pants. Tommy, I can’t believe I have just met the mystery blonde and she is even more gorgeous up close. She has the voice of an angel and those eyes are mesmerizing. I have never seen eyes that blue before.”
“Hazel’s in love,” teased Tommy.
“God help me here, but I think you are right.”
“So you liked her too did you big man?” asked Abby as she drove toward the city. “I must admit that finding her on the side of the road like that was a stroke of luck. What amazes me the most is the way she can set my heart aflutter. If the girl is half as interested as I am then we have a real chance at something special here. You know, when we get home we will hav
e to spruce up the guest room a bit. We do want to make a good impression, don’t we?” The big dog just groaned and shifted his position in the back seat.
“Well, just like a man,” giggled Abby, “not too much of a conversationalist are you?” Hubby groaned again, then sighed and went back to sleep. “As I said, just like a man.”
“So tell me about your new squeeze,” urged Hazel as they reached the highway.
“Ok, Charlie works at the university library and he is just the sweetest guy you could ever hope to meet.”
“Sounds like I’m not the only one who has been smitten,” laughed Hazel. “So is he some big muscle bound macho man or what?”
“No, he’s a small guy, about five foot six or so. He’s slim because he runs a lot and there is nothing macho about him. Charlie isn’t anything like Jack at all Hazel. In fact until I met him I would never have said that he was my type at all.”
“Like I’ve never been attracted to blondes before?”
“Exactly. I have always preferred taller guys, but Charlie is different.”
“How so?”
“Well, there is a gentleness of spirit about him. The man is incredibly intelligent, interested in a thousand things, and he would rather just sit and talk to me than to watch sports on TV or stuff like that.”
“Quick,” laughed Hazel, “marry the guy.”
“Don’t be too quick to laugh. I am hoping this will lead to something like that.”
“Wow, Tommy, this is serious. Are you sure?”
“Are you?” he countered. “About the wildflower I mean?”
“Touché,” sighed Hazel. “I have no idea where it will lead, but I can hope and dream for the best. Yes, I am serious about her Tommy. She’s the one. Whether I win her or not, there will be no other for me; I can feel it right down to my core.”
“Oddly enough girl, I know exactly what you mean. When you finally meet the right one it can be pretty powerful.”
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