“Bernice? Would you mind telling me about my grandparents? I found some old photo albums yesterday. Pictures of them with and without my mother. I have to say I noticed how happy they were in the pictures with Mama, but without her, Harold looked angry and Virginia looked…well…withdrawn.”
“We moved here about a year before Abigail came to live with us,” Bernice began. “We never met your mother—she was gone by then. My husband, Claude, tried to strike up a friendship with Harold, but they never became true friends. Harold was pretty much shut off from the rest of the world. Once Harold passed away, Virginia started talking to us more and we began socializing. Virginia never said a bad word about Harold to Claude or me because she was respectful, but I had a suspicion that he was the ruler of that household and she did what he said.”
“Did he abuse her?”
“Oh, no, nothing like that. But in our generation, it wasn’t unheard of for the wife to do as the husband said. Once he was gone, Virginia started coming out of her shell. At first, I think it was because she was lonely. But then we became very good friends and we truly enjoyed spending time together. You probably don’t know this, Sydney, but your grandmother was a kind soul and she had a pretty funny sense of humor when she loosened up.”
Syd grinned but remained quiet to allow Bernice to continue.
“When my Claude passed away, Virginia was a lifesaver to Abigail and me. She made us meals, cleaned our house, did our laundry. As you can imagine, I was a wreck after my Claude died. We were married for nearly fifty years and he was my best friend. We saw each other through the deaths of our son and daughter-in-law, and worked together in trying to raise Abigail into a respectful young woman.”
Syd noted the sadness that swept across Abby’s face, and she finally realized that Abby’s parents died, which was why Abby lived with Bernice.
“Abby, I’m so sorry for your loss of your parents.”
“Thank you.”
Syd heard the undertone of Abby’s response that she didn’t want to talk about it, but later, she would make the same offer in being there for Abby if she did want to talk.
“Dinner should be just about ready so if you’d like to come in, I’ll get the food on the table.”
Once they started eating, Syd asked more questions.
“What did my grandmother like to do for fun?”
“Oh, so many things. She was a fantastic cook. She’d make us meals that were better than the finest restaurants could offer. And she could bake. It seemed she always had cookies, cakes, or pies to offer us.”
Syd looked at Abby and smiled. “Your granddaughter said she used to hum while she cooked. Abby caught me doing the same thing.”
Bernice laughed and clapped her hands together. “That she did. She also hummed when she was at her sewing machine. I’m not sure if those activities relaxed her to hum, or she hummed to relax while performing those activities.”
“I think I do it because cooking makes me happy.”
Bernice placed her hand over Syd’s. “That’s a very good reason. Now, let’s see. She loved being outside and working in the garden, and we enjoyed playing cards.”
Syd saw the joy in Bernice as she talked about Virginia. They must’ve had a great time together, and suddenly she was a little jealous that Abby got to have a relationship with Virginia. The more she got to know of Virginia, the more she wished she could’ve been in her life personally and not through a private investigator. She would’ve loved spending time in the kitchen with Virginia, learning all of her recipes. She could have taught Syd how to garden and play cards. So many would haves and could haves that were wasted in her family.
“I appreciate you telling me about her, Bernice, and I’m so grateful she had you and Abby in her life. I wish I’d had the opportunity to know her the way you two did.”
“I do too, dear. I have to say, from what I know of you so far, your grandmother would’ve been crazy for you. You would have been her pride. You mentioned that you were hoping to find the answers to your questions. Have you had any luck with that?”
“Not exactly, but I haven’t gone through her bedroom yet. I know it’s silly, but I feel like I’m intruding and invading her privacy by going in there to go through everything. I’m also worried that if I do find the answers, I might not like them.”
“Yes, I suppose that’s a possibility, but you won’t know if you don’t try. You’re not alone in this, Sydney. Abigail and I will be there for you if you need comfort, if you want to talk, or if you need to be held while you cry. We’ve only just met, but you’re Virginia’s granddaughter which makes you special to us.”
Syd could feel the tears well in her eyes and she blinked them back. She was amazed at the outpouring of love and support from the two women she’d met less than a week ago. She already knew she’d miss them when she went back to Chicago. The funny thing, though, was that it was getting easier for her to imagine a new life in this small Iowa town. A slower life where she wouldn’t be working long hours or hearing the sounds of the city.
But what would she do here if she did happen to stay, hypothetically speaking? She didn’t happen to see any youth centers or investment banking firms when she was in town yesterday. Could she truly be happy here? What else would she do beside cook and feed the chickens? She knew nothing about living on a farm. She knew how to help buy and sell companies, and she knew how to be a mentor to inner city kids. The very thought of staying on the farm was just too ridiculous of a notion to even consider. Yet, looking across the table into Abby’s bright blue eyes, that thought didn’t seem ridiculous at all.
Two hours later, after they finished dinner, dessert, and more conversation, Abby and Bernice went home. Syd felt very lonely. She busied herself with washing the dishes and putting the food away. Abby had offered to help, but Syd didn’t want to take time away from relaxing and talking with Bernice. Besides, after the fleeting kiss Abby had given her earlier, Syd wasn’t ready to be alone with her, especially with her grandmother in the other room. Syd was confused by Abby’s behavior.
Hadn’t Abby said she didn’t want to get romantically involved with someone who wouldn’t be sticking around? Syd thought she’d been behaving and keeping her flirting in check even though it was more difficult than she had anticipated. There was something about Abby that made Syd want to throw caution to the wind and go with her gut. She recalled the times she’d spent with Abby since her declaration, and she couldn’t recall any words or actions that could be misconstrued. Well, there was that kiss on the cheek when Syd took Abby home the other night. But that was just a friendly peck, really. No heat behind it at all. Not that Syd didn’t want there to be. But she’d respected Abby’s wishes.
Was Abby changing the rules and forgot to tell Syd? Did she decide that she did want to fool around? Why? And should Syd talk to her about it and put everything on the table, or should she just ignore it like it never happened? Syd definitely wouldn’t be disappointed if she had the chance to sleep with Abby. Syd was very attracted to her, had been really, since the day they met. But there was more that drew Abby to her. Something indescribable. Something that actually had her thinking of staying in Iowa.
Syd shook her head as she climbed the stairs to shower then go to bed. She stopped at Virginia’s bedroom door and looked around the room. It was time to rip off the Band-Aid and get started on going through it. Syd suddenly felt very tired as she thought of the daunting task she’d start in the morning.
Chapter Eleven
Syd woke up already feeling lazy and had a feeling she wouldn’t be getting much done in the way of cleaning out Virginia’s room. She could at least do some cleaning and pack the living rooms and dining room. She luxuriated in the sheets and spent time stretching her limbs. This had been the most active she’d been in quite some time. With all the cleaning, packing, and her little horse ride the day before, her muscles were pleasantly sore. She closed her eyes and grinned when she recalled the dream she had about A
bby.
Syd and Abby were riding horses through a grassy field at a full gallop. The blistering yellow sun was a stark contrast against the deep blue sky. Syd found it amusing that she rode the horse so expertly since yesterday had been the first time she’d ever ridden one. Abby wore a straw cowboy hat, a blue and green flannel shirt, well worn faded jeans, and brown cowboy boots. Syd had never seen anyone look as sexy as Abby did atop the large animal.
They slowed their horses when they got to a wall of trees and found their way to a trickling stream. They dismounted and allowed the horses to wander to the water to drink. Abby spread out a blanket and held out her hand as an invitation for Syd to join her. They faced each other on their sides and remained silent, smiling and gazing into each other’s eyes. Abby had removed her hat, and Syd tucked a wisp of hair behind Abby’s ear, letting her fingers drift down Abby’s neck, just inside the collar of her shirt. Syd felt the shiver run through Abby, but she wouldn’t make a further move unless Abby indicated that was what she wanted. She wouldn’t embarrass herself again by making an unwanted advance.
Abby’s voice was low and husky when she finally spoke. “How are your legs feeling?” she asked as she slipped her hand to the inside of Syd’s leg, just above her knee.
Syd’s breath hitched and her heart hammered in her chest. “A little sore,” she managed to squeak out.
Abby’s hand began to squeeze the muscles, and Syd felt her clit begin to throb.
“Here?”
Syd felt her vision dim and eyelids grow heavy, along with the pit in her belly. “A little higher.”
Abby moved her hand a few inches higher and massaged the muscles a little slower, a little harder, and Syd automatically opened her legs to allow Abby easier access.
“Here?”
Syd gasped as she answered, “Just a little higher.”
Abby continued to massage and squeeze Syd’s tightening muscles as she inched closer to where Syd needed Abby’s touch the most. Wetness flooded Syd’s panties, and she was on fire just as Abby’s hand reached the desperate destination, and she cupped and squeezed Syd’s sex.
“Here?” Abby asked, her voice sound strained and her chest heaving.
“Oh, yes. Right there. Jesus, right there.”
Abby’s weight pushed Syd onto her back and Abby aggressively kissed Syd’s waiting mouth while Abby’s hand continued to massage Syd’s swollen center. Syd moved her hips in rhythm, but it wasn’t enough. She needed more. She needed Abby’s fingers inside her while her thumb stroked Syd’s clit. She unbuttoned her jeans and slid down the zipper, and Abby slid her hand inside Syd’s panties, and she found her wet heat.
Syd woke, panting and trying to catch her breath. Syd could still feel the thrumming of arousal between her legs, and it wouldn’t take much to relieve the pressure that had built up. But it had been so long since she’d been that aroused, and she wanted to feel it for a little while longer. She idly thought what Abby would be like in bed. Would she be assertive? Take her time? Fuck Syd hard and fast? Or would Abby let Syd take control? Lie on her back and let Syd explore her body with her fingers and mouth? Shit.
That line of thinking wasn’t helping Syd cool down. She slid her hand in her underwear and wasn’t surprised to feel the slickness that awaited her. She stroked her clit between her index and middle fingers up and down a few times before moving them easily inside. Syd moved her fingers in and out slowly at first then increased the speed as she moved her thumb over the tightened bundle of nerves, just as Abby had done in her dream. Her breathing quickened and she pictured Abby hovered above her, sucking Syd’s hardened nipple into her mouth. Syd moved her free hand to her breast and pinched her nipple, picturing Abby’s teeth biting it, and the sensation traveled to her clit, making it even harder. Her orgasm built rapidly from the depths of her belly until she felt it in her entire body and exploded as she cried out Abby’s name.
She lay there for several minutes trying to slow her breathing and come down from the rush she felt from the climax. She was just about to fall back to sleep when her phone buzzed. She blindly reached for it and smiled when she saw the name across the screen.
“Good morning, Vanessa.”
“Hey, Syd. How’s my temporary farm girl?”
Syd laughed at her teasing. “I’m good. Working hard and learning a lot.”
“Learning? What the heck is going on there?”
“Well, I’ve learned how to feed chickens and I rode a horse yesterday.”
The silence on the other side made Syd look at her phone to make sure the call hadn’t been disconnected. “Hello? V? You still there?”
“Uh, yeah. I thought you said you were feeding chickens and riding horses.”
“I did. I am. Virginia has chickens that I’m taking care of, and Abby took me for a ride on her horse, Bevin.”
Vanessa laughed and Syd could almost see her shaking her head. “And who is Abby?”
Just hearing her name made Syd smile and her skin tingle. “Abby is the granddaughter of Virginia’s neighbor and best friend, Bernice. Abby has been helping me clean out the place and she’s been keeping me company.”
“Company, huh? Is something going on between you two?”
Syd hesitated to answer. Was there something going on? At times, it seemed it was heading that way, but others, Abby was keeping her distance. “Honestly, I’m not sure. There seems to be some sort of attraction between us, but she told me she’s not interested in getting together with someone who won’t be staying.”
“Hmm. Sounds like she’s looking for a relationship and that’s something you can’t give her.”
Syd felt her hackles rise and her face grow hot. “Why can’t I? Don’t you think I’m capable of being in a relationship?”
“Whoa, Syd. Slow your roll. I just meant that she lives in Iowa and your life is here in Chicago. Do you want to have a long-distance relationship with this woman?”
Syd knew Vanessa was right, but wouldn’t it be worth trying? Syd had never met anyone like Abby, and that had to count for something. She would definitely consider dating her if Abby was up for it, but that wasn’t something she wanted to ask her just yet. Other than some mild flirting and a few chaste kisses, nothing else had happened and it might not ever. Vanessa’s voice brought Syd back from her ruminations.
“Tell me about her. She must be special if you’re getting pissed at me.”
Syd took a deep breath and let it out slowly while she ran her hand through her hair. Why was she angry with Vanessa? She had been her best friend for most of her life and Vanessa knew everything about Syd. “I’m sorry. You’re right. Abby is special and I can’t really describe why, but I’ll try. First, she’s really cute. I wouldn’t exactly say she was femme but definitely not butch. Sportier, I would say. Blond hair, blue eyes, tall, terrific body that feels solid from the work she does on the farm. She lives with her grandmother, and I can tell they have a close bond. She was very close to Virginia as well, and I can see how much her death has affected Abby. She’s been welcoming to me since I arrived. She taught me about the chickens, she’s helped me go through Virginia’s stuff, and she’s told me about Virginia so I’m able to know more about her. We’ve shared meals, including a couple of dinners with her grandmother, who is also very sweet.”
“Well, she sounds cute and nice, but what’s the connection you feel with her?”
Syd took her time to answer Vanessa, not really knowing what to say. “Honestly, I’m not sure. I can’t put a name to it or put my finger on any one thing, but something about her draws her to me. She’s thoughtful, smart, down-to-earth, considerate. Her parents died when she was young so all she has is her grandmother.”
Syd wasn’t sure why she brought that up or what bearing that had on how Syd felt about her. Maybe it was because despite that, Abby had become a caring, loving woman. Or maybe it made Syd want to protect Abby from having to deal with anymore hurt in her life, but that wasn’t anything Syd could control. “A
nyway, I think you’d really like her.”
“Am I going to have a chance to meet her?”
“I don’t know. Like I said, things are up in the air with us, and unless you come visit me in the next week, probably not.”
“Well, why don’t you bring her home for a few days. Then she can meet me and your parents, and you can show her our fair city.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, V. It’s not like she’s my girlfriend or anything. Wouldn’t it be weird to bring her home to meet my family?”
“I don’t think so. Not if you consider her to be a friend.”
Syd was quiet for a moment, trying to picture Abby coming home with her, staying with her at her condo, meeting her family, maybe seeing the youth center where Syd spent so much of her time. “I’ll think about it. She might not want to even come.”
“It doesn’t hurt to ask, if you’re comfortable with the idea. How are things going at the farm? Do you still think you’ll be done and back home in a week?”
“Probably. I only have a few more rooms to go through and I’ll have to contact a real estate agent to get this place on the market. It’s a really fantastic property, V. There’s a barn, a pond, tons of land, and the house is really beautiful. This is a really great place to relax and escape crowds and stress.”
“Sounds like you’re considering keeping it. Are you?”
Syd hesitated again. Was she considering keeping it? It would be a great getaway, and it was already paid off. She could hire Abby to keep an eye on the place, or an agency to rent it out. “I hadn’t thought about it, but that could be a possibility.”
A Call Away Page 10