by Diana Kane
“I wanted to say that I’m sorry. What I did…it was unacceptable. I’m trying to get better, I really am. Sometimes I just have no idea what I’m supposed to do or feel. I have all these conflicting emotions…I don’t know. I’m back at the grief counselor and I’ve started going to a support group.”
“I’m glad you’re trying to get some help. I’m not sure what it is you want me to say though.” I point to a random spot in the brochure trying to make it look like this chat is business related. I glance around to see if we’ve attracted any unwanted attention and spot Abby returning to the booth, with Isabella in tow. They’re laughing about something when Isabella’s eyes find me. I feel the genuine smile spread across my face, a reflection of hers, until Katrina turns to see what I am smiling at. Isabella’s smile is quickly replaced by her lips pressing into a firm line as her eyes darken with anger. “She knows what you did and she isn’t happy about it.”
“You told her?”
“Of course I told her. I contacted her the second you were out of my bedroom.” I feel my own anger return as I recall the situation. Isabella is only a few feet away now. I quickly step around Katrina and place myself between them.
“Hello love,” I say as I wrap my arms around her. She quickly reciprocates, pulling me tightly against her, silently claiming me as hers. Even though I can’t see her face I know that her stare is locked on Katrina. “Baby this is a work function for me. Please calm down.” She relaxes into our embrace allowing me to relax as well. “Thank you. Is she still there?”
“Yes.”
“Come on, you may as well officially meet her. She knows that you know what she did.” Isabella eases her embrace enough to lean back and kiss me before grabbing my hand and allowing me to lead her to Katrina.
“Isabella this is Katrina, Katrina meet Isabella.” Katrina extends her hand, but Isabella refuses to acknowledge it.
“I deserve that,” Katrina mutters as she drops her hand. “I guess I owe you an apology as well.”
“I do not want your apology, nor do I trust you. You took advantage of Sara’s generosity and then tried to take advantage of her.” Isabella keeps her voice level, and Katrina blanches at her words.
“You’re right, and I’m very sorry about that. Sara, I hope that one day we can be friends again. I’m glad that you met Isabella, you seem very happy.”
“I am, thank you. We’ll talk soon, ok?” Isabella squeezes my hand, and I know that we are going to have to discuss this.
“Ok. It was nice to meet you, Isabella.” Isabella stares at me as Katrina drops her head walks away.
“Why don’t you two take a few minutes for lunch,” Abby interjects. I’m grateful for the suggestion. Abby hands me the bag containing our food, and I lead Isabella outside, to one of the tables along the side of the convention center. Thankfully the area is empty, likely due to it only being 60 degrees out. The sunshine makes it feel slightly warmer, making it a very nice afternoon for late October.
“Are you really planning on forgiving her?” We haven’t even managed to sit down yet.
“Sit down please,” I request as I pull a chair out for her. Isabella takes the offered plastic patio chair, and I grab the one to the immediate left and turn it to face her. I deposit our lunch on the table and lay my hand on her forearm. She finally turns her chair to face me, allowing me to clasp both of her hands in mine. “I’m not asking you to like her or to forgive her. She is a good person though. She’s just going through something neither of us can fully understand. That doesn’t excuse her behavior, I know that. However, we have a lot of mutual friends, and we’re going to run into one another at Velvet and other functions. I don’t want it to always be strained and awkward. I don’t need her to be my best friend, but I would like to be friends with her again at some point. I’m sorry if that upsets you.”
“What if she tries something again?”
“What if she does? I’m not going to put myself in a situation where she can. Even if she does try, it won’t make any difference, I’m already in love with someone else.” Isabella smiles but doesn’t say anything. “Do you never talk to Esme or Camila?”
“No. They tried for a long time, and I eventually gave in and met with them. But they both betrayed me, I had nothing to say to them. I still have nothing to say.”
“Fair enough. Katrina didn’t betray me though. I can forgive her and move on. Do you want to be there when I talk to her?”
“No, I trust you. I just want you to be careful.”
“I will. I’ll meet her in public, a coffee shop or something. Ok?” Isabella gives me a small smile.
“I’ll never tell you what you can or cannot do Sara. That doesn’t mean that I have to like this though.”
“Are you doubting my feelings for you?” I lean forward a little bit more and lay my hands just above her knees.
“Not at all,” she whispers as she leans forward and kisses me. Despite being in public, I lift my hand to the back of her neck and hold her in place, deepening the kiss. When we finally part I rest my forehead against hers with my eyes closed, fighting the surge of desire within me.
“Still want to go on that date tonight?” I whisper as I open my eyes to look into hers.
“Yes,” she whispers before kissing me again. When we part this time, I plant a lingering kiss to her forehead. When I open my eyes, I see Katrina on the sidewalk watching us. She shakes her head before walking away. My phone vibrates, pulling my attention away from Katrina’s retreating form. I check it and smile. “What are you smiling like that for?”
“Everything’s all set for our date tonight. Dinner at 5:30.”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see,” I smile at her and unpack our lunch, happy that things are relaxed between us again. We quickly devour our meal while watching the ducks play on the river bank and the occasional kayak pass by.
“This is amazing, Sara. Look at how many people are here!” We’ve reentered the packed exhibition hall. I once again find myself chuckling.
“Thank you. We expect to top 30,000 guests this year.” Isabella gives me a look of shock. “Well not all at once obviously, people don’t spend the entire day here, I don’t think.” Isabella unexpectedly pulls me to the side and kisses me. “Not sure what I did to deserve that.” Isabella grins at me but says nothing. “Come on, I’ve got to relieve Valerie so she can eat.”
“Before I forget again, I took care of that favor you asked me for. You might want to let Abby know soon, she and Blake are close to booking something.”
“Thank you. What do I owe you?” Isabella shoots me a funny look.
“Nothing. I said I took care of it. They’ll be considered my guests.”
“You know I didn’t ask for your help so that I wouldn’t have to pay, right?” I appreciate her generosity but still dislike feeling like I’ve taken advantage of her.
“I know. I like Abby, and it didn’t cost anything. Just let me take care of it.”
“Thank you,” I answer as I squeeze her tightly to me. “You off to explore some more?”
“Yes. I’ll see you later.” She gives me a quick kiss before letting go of my hand and disappearing into the crowd.
By the time we have everything cleaned up and packed into Abby’s car it’s just after 5. “Give my brother a hug for me,” Abby orders me before climbing into her car. I grab the emergency blanket from the trunk of my car, take Isabella’s hand and lead her away from the parking lot. She hesitates, but follows me as I guide her down the street to the bistro Abby’s brother and his wife own. It’s known for the wine selection and romantic atmosphere, the menu designed so that most items are considered sharable. The hostess immediately leads us to a semi private table in the back, where lit candles, wine, and fresh bread with herbed oil wait for us. We’ve barely taken our seats when Greg appears with a Caprese salad for us. I greet him with a hug and introduce him to Isabella. He pours our wine for us and informs me that everything has
been taken care of. I’m happy to hear this as we have an appointment at 7.
“Out to impress, doctor?” Isabella’s smile is radiant as she teases me.
“No, but I didn’t exactly have a lot of time to plan a date did I?”
“I’d say you do well under pressure.” I bite my lower lip to keep from laughing, hoping she feels the same way about the rest of my plan.
Greg gives us plenty of time, waiting 20 minutes before bringing out our entrees, seared chicken breasts with a garlic cream sauce, bacon wrapped asparagus and a wild rice blend. He told me via text that he was considering adding it to the menu and would love some additional opinions. The meal is amazing, and Isabella seems equally satisfied. We share a sizable portion of tiramisu before Greg checks on us one last time as we finish the wine and prepare to leave. I let him know everything was amazing before leading Isabella back outside.
“Baby, I don’t know if I can make it back to the car. I’m so full.”
“Not to worry, this is our ride,” I tell her as I lead her to the horse drawn carriage. Our driver lowers the ladder and helps us up to our seats. I sit next to Isabella, wrapping my arm around her shoulders. She leans into me as the driver takes his seat and commences our ride.
“You did all of this after getting coffee?”
“I did. This is a service offered in the city. He’ll take us through the city gardens and around some of the historic architecture.” Realizing that Isabella is probably cold, I grab the blanket, and together we situate it over ourselves. Isabella snuggles in against me as we make our way into the gardens where the fall flowers are still in bloom, their muted colors visible thanks to the dim lights placed along the paths.
“This place is beautiful. I’d like to see it during the day.”
“Anytime,” I say before planting a kiss on her forehead. We complete the ride nestled against each other, keeping our conversation whispered in an effort to maintain some level of privacy. The carriage drops us off at the convention center, and we head home.
“I’m going to change into something comfortable,” she informs me.
“Ok. Stay in the bedroom until I come get you.” She gives me a look but doesn’t protest. I head into the den and start the fire before grabbing my set of oversized floor pillows. Isabella and I could easily share one, but I pull out all three so we have the additional space. In the kitchen I open a bottle of wine and grab two glasses, leaving them in the den before starting some quiet music. With everything set, I head to the bedroom to change and retrieve Isabella.
“I loved our date tonight,” she whispers as she pulls me into her embrace.
“Who said our date is over?” She leans back and eyes me questioningly as I smile at her. “Let me change really quick.” I move to step out of her arms but she holds fast and presses her lips to mine. I fall into the kiss, even though I know we’re in danger of not leaving the bedroom the longer it continues. I pull away, and she finally releases me to change, her eyes radiating desire as she watches me strip down to my underwear before pulling on a set of shorts and a shirt. I lead her into the den and feel her arms wrap around me when she sees the transformation.
“What have you done?” Her breath tickles my ear before she plants a kiss on the side of my neck.
“I didn’t know what you’d want to do, so you have options. We can just relax in front of the fire, we can watch a movie, or we can dance.” I rest my hands over hers to hold them in place as I slowly lead her into the open space I’ve created in the den. She pulls me tightly against her and begins swaying us to the music.
“What if I want to do all three?”
“Then we’ll do all three.” Her hands slide free of mine and grip my hips, turning me to face her. Her lips meet mine as her arms close around my neck. I pull her closer, and we fall back into swaying in time with the music. Isabella strokes my hair and neck as we dance, sending chills down my spine. I slip my hands under her shirt and run my fingertips over her lower back, slowly forming small circles.
“Mmm, that feels nice.”
“Did you get your massage at the expo?”
“No, I was holding out for you.” I smile against her shoulder.
“I’m hardly a professional. Why don’t you get ready and lay down, I’ll get the oil.” I give her a quick kiss before heading back to the bedroom. I return to the den to find Isabella lying on her stomach, sipping from a glass of wine, wearing nothing. I stand frozen in place, watching the flames reflect off of her black hair and her bronzed skin, an image I’m certain I’ll never forget.
“I poured you some wine.” The sound of her voice pulls me from the trance. She looks over her shoulder at me, smiling like she knows I’ve been standing here, drinking the sight of her in. I return her smile, knowing at one point I might have felt some level of embarrassment at having been caught, but not now. I cross the room and kneel on the pillows next to Isabella, accepting the offered glass. She drapes her arm over my lap, her hand resting on my hip as she gazes up at me. I reach down and brush my fingertips down the length of her face and then back up to brush a stray strand of hair away. I feel her plant a kiss just above my knee as I lean over to deposit my wine glass in a safe location. She folds her arm in front of her and rests her head on it when I pump some of the massage oil into my palm. She releases a quiet groan as I start the massage, focusing on her lower back and working up to her shoulders. Her moans continue as I work her muscles, tending to her from her neck to her feet. I take my time, enjoying this intimacy, the soft music playing nothing more than the quietest of background noises. I work my way down and back up several times before realizing that her moans have ceased, Isabella has fallen asleep. I shut off the music and start a movie before slowly easing myself down on the pillows next to her, hoping not to wake her. I try to focus on the movie, but find the steady rise and fall of Isabella’s respirations more entrancing.
The soft whisper of Isabella’s voice drags me from my slumber, her words incomprehensible as the Spanish oozes from her lips. I stay perfectly still as I listen to her before finally smiling and opening my eyes, stopping her speech. “Why didn’t you wake me?” Her fingers push my hair out of my face before she trails them down my arm.
“You need your rest too. I never had any expectations, I’m happy just having you here next to me.” Isabella leans in and kisses me. “What were you whispering?”
“I was telling you why I love you.” This time I lean in to steal a kiss. “Did you really not have any expectations, even after everything you did for our date?”
“I did not. I just want you to be happy and to know that I love you. I’m happy to just have you here, to be able to hold you and wake up next to you.” Isabella’s lips meet mine, my mouth opening to admit her tongue as she presses me onto my back and shifts herself on top of me, the kiss picking up momentum, adding fuel to my seemingly unending desire for her.
“What if I have expectations?” The seriousness of our conversation has been replaced by playfulness.
“I’ll try to not disappoint.”
Chapter 25
I call Abby into my office during lunch on Tuesday. After dropping Isabella off at the airport this morning I need something to lift my spirits. Being away from her is becoming increasingly difficult, and I find myself researching plastic surgery practices and the possibility of starting a practice there. It isn’t practical, nor does it make any sense given I’m fully rooted here. It would be at least a year before I could move, given the patients whose treatment I feel obligated to see through to the finish. I quietly curse as Abby enters my office.
“Everything alright?” Abby asks as she takes a seat on the other side of my desk.
“Yeah. Just researching a problem without a clear solution.” I close the web browser and pass Abby her half of our delivered lunch. “That isn’t why I wanted to talk to you though.” I pull the envelope out of my desk and pass it to her. She gives me a funny look before taking the envelope and opening it. “If yo
u need to change the resort dates let me know.”
“Sara this is too much. I can’t accept this.”
“Yes, you can. Consider it an early Christmas gift if it makes you feel better. Things with Blake seem to be going well for you. You deserve to be happy and have a nice vacation.” Abby’s eyes take on a glassy appearance, she’s often emotional and easily expresses those emotions.
“This is amazing, thank you.” She double checks the dates on the resort booking. “Isn’t this when you’ll be there?”
“It is, but the resort is plenty large enough and there is so much you can do that we won’t cross paths unless we want to.”
“Is that your way of saying you don’t plan on leaving Isabella’s place.” Abby shoots me a smile. She rarely makes jokes with sexual connotations, but every once in a while she surprises me.