by Lydia Rose
Susan sucked in a breath. “Were you hurt?” she asked touching Jane’s arm.
“Just a twisted knee and a cut on my forehead.” Jane turned to Erin. “Erin took care of me and called my grandmother for me to let her know.”
“That’s our Erin, always taking care of the ladies.” Casey laughed.
“I’ve taken care of plenty of men, too.” Erin insisted.
“Yeah, I guess you have,” Casey answered, touching Erin’s arm softly. “You’ll always be my hero, Erin.”
Jane knew she was going to have to ask Erin what Casey was talking about, watching the sad face that had appeared on Casey’s face as she spoke.
After dinner and dessert, the women sat around talking. Jane couldn’t believe how comfortable she felt with this group of women. She now excused herself from the group to go to the bathroom.
“I’ll show you where it is,” Sandy said, standing. “I need to go, too.” She showed Jane where one of the bathrooms was and Sandy went to use the other bathroom. A few minutes later they met in the hallway again. “So you and Erin are just friends?”
Jane turned to Sandy. “Yes. Why?”
“Does Erin know that?” Sandy asked watching Jane’s face closely.
Jane chuckled. “Of course, she does.”
“I’ve seen Erin with friends and with lovers.” Sandy took a breath trying to find the right words to explain. “You two look good together and you seem more like lovers then friends,” Sandy sighed. “I don’t know how to explain it correctly. It’s just something I see.”
“Erin knows I just want to be her friend.” Jane’s eyebrows came up. “That’s all we are,” she said as her hand went to her heart to emphasize her words.
“Is it because you aren’t gay? Because I have to say my gaydar is pinging off you strongly.”
Jane laughed. “No, I’m gay.”
“Then why do you just want to be Erin’s friend? You couldn’t find anyone nicer to be with. Some of the women she’s been with have treated her like crap. Erin deserves someone like you,” Sandy sighed, touching Jane’s hand apologetically. “I know it’s none of my business, but think about it.”
While Jane was inside, Susan began her questions. “So you two aren’t together?”
“Nope,” Erin answered.
“Why not? Jane seems like a perfect match for you.”
“She doesn’t want to date me.” Erin wouldn’t betray Jane’s trust and tell the women that Jane had never dated.
“But she is gay, right?”
Erin nodded her head up and down and sighed.
Before Susan or anyone else could say anything else, Jane and Sandy came out of the house. Jane took a seat next to Erin again on the loveseat.
“So what did you think of Sandy and Ginger’s house?” Casey asked Jane.
“It is beautiful and their kitchen is a chef’s dream,” Jane answered smiling wide. “Your house, Susan and Carol, is stunning, too.”
Sandy and Ginger’s careers allowed them to own a lavish home at the shore. The world of finance allowed them to have this home at the shore and a New York City apartment.
“You and Erin will have to come to dinner some night,” Ginger said. “I’d love to learn how to make that dish you made for my birthday.”
Sandy laughed. “She hasn’t stopped talking about that dish since her birthday. You would be doing me a big favor,” she said rolling her eyes.
Ginger slapped Sandy’s arm playfully. “Hey.”
“It’s the truth.”
“The next time I have a Saturday off, I’ll be glad to show you.” Jane offered sincerely.
“Let me have your phone so I can put our cell phone numbers into it,” Ginger said holding out her hand.
The evening grew late and Jane yawned. “I think my friend is worn out,” Erin said standing.
“I think we’re all tired,” Sandy said standing too.
Jane hugged all the women as the guests headed to the front of the house.
“Thank you for inviting me today,” Jane said hugging the two hosts.
“We’ll have to do this again,” Carol said.
As Erin led Jane to the car, her hand went to the small of Jane’s back. She only released her as she opened the car door.
When they pulled up to Jane’s grandmother’s home, she released her seatbelt and turned. “What time do you get off work tomorrow?”
“Usually four o’clock, unless I have paperwork to do.”
“Come here at five o’clock for dinner,” Jane said with a smile as she touched Erin’s hand.
“Are you sure?” Erin asked shocked.
“Of course.” Jane leaned over and kissed Erin’s cheek. “Thank you for taking me to the barbecue. I liked all your friends.”
“Didn’t know you knew some of them,” Erin mumbled, still shocked that Jane had kissed her. Now all she could think about were Jane’s lips on her cheek.
Jane opened the car door. “Yeah, if you had gone to the birthday party, we would have met sooner,” she said with a wink. “Good night, Erin. See you tomorrow.”
“I’ll call you if I’m going to be late. Good night, Jane.” Erin drove home wearing a wide smile.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
“How was the barbecue?” Abby asked the following morning.
“Great. Two of the guests turned out to be women I catered a party for last winter.”
“So you had a good time?”
“I did, Gran. Oh, by the way, I asked Erin to dinner tonight. That’s okay, right?”
“Of course it is. You can ask any of your friends over anytime, Jane.” Abby wanted to ask if she was dating Erin, but didn’t want to push her granddaughter. She tried easing into the conversation. “I like Erin. I think she’s very good for you,” Abby said not very subtly.
Jane’s eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?” Her hand went to her hip.
Now Abby had to back pedal. “You seem much happier since you two became friends. Is that so wrong?”
“No. You’re right. I enjoy Erin’s company.” If only her grandmother knew how much she enjoyed Erin’s company, she wouldn’t be pushing this friendship.
Abby decided to push a little. “You know I just want you to be happy. Your mother feels the same way, Jane. There is nothing you could do to make that change.”
Again Jane’s brow furrowed, wondering where her grandmother was going with this strange conversation. “Good to know,” Jane said as she poured herself a cup of coffee.
****
Erin showed up at exactly five o’clock. She had a bouquet of flowers in her hand as Jane opened the door. “Flowers?” she questioned wide eyed.
“Hi. These are for your grandmother.” Erin giggled and leaned near her ear. “So don’t have a cow.”
Abby came out of the kitchen and met Erin with a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here,” she said before releasing her.
“Thank you for having me. These are for you,” Erin said handing the bouquet to Abby.
“How nice of you.” Abby turned to Jane. “I love a woman who respects her elders and treats my granddaughter well.”
“That’s easy to do with my two favorite women.”
“That’s not true,” Jane said grinning. “You said Casey is your best friend.”
“Uh—“ Erin stammered.
“Got you tongue-tied?” Jane joked, but the smile never left her face as her eyes twinkled.
Erin cleared her throat. “Casey is my oldest and dearest friend. I can have more than one best gal,” she said winking at Abby.
Abby took Erin’s arm and led her toward the kitchen. “I’m honored to be one of your best gals.”
“Thank you, Abby,” Erin said turning around and sticking her tongue out at Jane.
Jane just shook her head and laughed.
Abby and Jane began serving dinner. They started out with a fresh salad filled with vegetables. As Jane put the bowl in front of Erin she said, “Don’t roll your eyes at the salad. It
’s the dressing you like and you’ll be pleased with the main course.”
“Is she trying to get you to eat healthier?” Abby asked pointing with her fork.
“Yeah,” Erin said softly as she poked at her salad.
“Me, too. I’ve made it to seventy five years old on my own and now my granddaughter wants me to eat more vegetables and greens.” Abby began to laugh. “My body went into shock the first month that Jane moved in here.”
“Oh, Gran, stop teasing. You know you love vegetables,” Jane insisted.
“I do, but I love beef, too.” Abby leaned to Erin and whispered. “We’re having roast beef for our main course.”
Erin licked her lips. “With mashed potatoes and gravy?”
Abby nodded. “Of course.”
Jane sat there shaking her head. “I don’t know what I’m going to do about the two of you.”
After dinner, Jane suggested they take a walk up to the beach.
“Abby, do you want to go with us?” Erin asked.
“No, thank you, dear. You two go enjoy yourselves. I’m just going to relax on the porch.”
“Your grandmother is something else,” Erin said as they walked up the street. “I never met my grandparents on either side,” Erin sighed. “You’re lucky to have someone like Abby in your life.”
“I know, and wait until you meet my parents next month. They are great, too.”
“I’d like to meet them,” Erin answered honestly and thankful that Jane was talking about them being friends next month.
The two women stepped onto the cool sand and walked toward the surf. Jane sat down and pulled on Erin’s arm until they were sitting side by side. “Do you have any siblings?”
“I have a sister and a brother.” Erin took a deep breath. “What about you?”
“Nope, no sister or brother. After I was born, my mom found out she couldn’t have any more children.”
Erin just nodded not knowing what to say. She decided on humor. “So you were their favorite?”
Jane pushed on Erin’s shoulder until she toppled over. “So funny, like I’ve never heard that before.”
“How about aunts and uncles or cousins?” Erin asked, trying to learn as much as she could about this incredible woman.
“I had an uncle on my father’s side, but he died of AIDS years ago.” Jane lowered his voice. “When he got AIDS, there was no chance of survival. It really took a toll on my father’s parents. They both have passed on, too.”
“I’m really sorry, Jane.” Erin took Jane’s hand in comfort.
They sat there for a long time quietly staring at the waves. Erin kept a hold on Jane’s hand the whole time. Once it started to get dark, Erin stood up.
“I know you have work tomorrow so I better let you get some rest.” Erin reached down with her hand helping Jane up off the sand.
“Thank you for coming to dinner, Erin.”
“Hey, thank you for inviting me. The meal was delicious.”
“Even if you had to have a salad?” Jane asked with a giggle.
“The salads are growing on me.” Erin began to giggle along with Jane. “If Abby can live with eating healthier, I guess I can, too.”
“I’ll be working the rest of the week, but I’m off Saturday. Would you like to do something?” Jane asked, wanting to spend time with this woman who was dominating her thoughts.
“Uh,” Erin paused.
“That’s okay. If you have something to do, don’t worry about me.”
“I’m helping Casey paint her living room Saturday morning. We can do something Saturday night.”
“I don’t want you to just dump Casey.”
“You don’t think Casey and Ellie will be doing something together Saturday night?”
“If you’re sure?” Jane asked softly.
“Jane, I would love to spend Saturday night with you. All night.” Erin blushed at her statement. “That’s not what I mean. I’m sorry, I don’t know what I’m saying.”
Jane began to giggle. “I know what you mean. Stop worrying.” She put her arm through Erin’s and they walked back to the house.
By the time they got back to the house, Abby was no longer on the porch.
“Should I go inside and thank Abby for dinner?”
“I’m not sure she’s still up, but let’s check.”
They walked in the door and found only a small light on in the living room.
“I guess she turned in for the night. She likes to read in bed in the evening.”
“I’ll call her tomorrow to thank her.” Erin pulled out her cell phone. “Would you put the house number in here, please?”
Jane added her grandmother’s contact information and handed the phone back to Erin.
“Thank you again, Jane.” Erin moved a little closer to Jane.
“No thanks necessary, I enjoy spending time with you.” Jane looked into Erin’s eyes as she spoke.
Erin watched as Jane’s hazel eyes darkened. It’s now or never, Erin’s mind screamed, kiss her. In the dim light of the foyer, Erin leaned in and kissed Jane’s lips softly. It was just a short kiss, but Jane kissed her back. Erin was about to kiss her again, but Jane stepped back.
“Why did you do that?” Jane asked touching her lips with her finger. Erin just shrugged. “I told you I wasn’t interested in dating you.”
“I know, I’m sorry.” Erin said with a grin.
“You don’t look very sorry,” Jane said with a chuckle.
“I guess I’ll talk to you during the week.” She reached for the door handle. “Maybe I’ll see you in the store.” Erin now felt awkward because her body was on fire from one tiny kiss. Jane was capable of making Erin’s world come alive with just one kiss. If only Jane would just give her a chance. “Good night, Jane.”
Jane leaned on the door. “Good night, Erin.”
When Jane finally closed the front door, she turned and saw her grandmother standing on the steps watching her.
“You may as well come out of your hiding place and come downstairs,” Jane said walking into the living room.
Abby came down the stairs and sat next to Jane on the sofa. “All I’m going to say is it’s about time.”
“That’s all you’re going to say?” Jane asked not believing her.
“Of course not, I told you I like Erin and she likes you. That’s all that matters.” Abby reached for Jane’s hand.
Jane remained silent so Abby continued.
“You’ve never showed an interest in anyone before. I always knew that when the right woman came along she’d find a way in.”
“You knew I liked women?” Jane asked standing.
“Of course, dear. Your mother and I talked about it years ago.”
“My mother knows, too. How? I’ve never dated anyone.” Jane couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“I guess that was our first clue. You never showed any interest in boys when you were younger. We knew there had to be a reason. I wanted to talk to you about this years ago, but your mother wouldn’t let me. She insisted when you were ready to tell us, you would.”
“Gran, I’ve never dated a woman either.” Jane lowered her head not believing she had just admitted that information to her grandmother.
“You haven’t? Not even when you were in Paris?” Abby asked shocked. “Why?”
“I knew what I wanted and I wasn’t going to screw up my life by getting involved with anyone.” Jane brushed the tear that fell onto her cheek before sitting back down.
“You and Denny have a prosperous store. Isn’t it time for you to live your life?”
“Why would Erin be interested in someone as stunted as I am?” Erin wiped the tear that had fallen onto her face.
“From what I could see that took place in the foyer a few minutes ago,” Abby smiled, “I would say she is very interested. I see the way she looks at you.”
Jane turned to face her grandmother. “She’s been with other women. I’d be such a disappointment.”
“Why don’t you let Erin be the judge of that? Making love is always better when you love your partner.”
“Love? I’m not in love with Erin and she certainly isn’t in love with me,” Jane insisted firmly.
“Maybe not yet, but if you give that girl a chance,” Abby grinned, “she will be. Why wouldn’t she? You, my dear, are a great catch.”
Jane stood up again. “This conversation is going to make my head explode. I need to get some sleep.”
Abby got up with Jane and they went upstairs. “Just follow your heart, Jane. That’s all I will ever ask of you.”
“Thanks, Gran, for being so understanding.” All these years and they knew.
“I love you, dear. Nothing you do will ever change that.”
Jane kissed Abby’s cheek. “I love you too, Gran. Good night.”
“Sleep well, dear.” Abby knew she had to call her daughter Helen in the morning.
CHAPTER TWELVE
Jane had a hard time concentrating on work today. Her mind was crowded with her conversation with Abby. All this time she thought her secret was safe. What a laugh, she thought. Her mother and grandmother talked about her sexuality for years and she had no idea. In a few weeks, her parents would be here and that unnerved her to her core. Jane was just coming out of the kitchen when Erin walked into the store. Their eyes met and a smile appeared on their lips.
“The usual?” Hazel asked, forcing Erin’s eyes away from Jane.
“Um,” Erin said, not knowing what to say.
“I’ll take care of her,” Jane said coming up behind Hazel. “What would you like, Erin?” she asked with a smirk.
“How about you decide,” Erin said with a smile. She watched as Jane reached for the yogurt and added the granola on top. Then she got another container and added fresh fruit to it.
“I guess you’re eating healthy again,” Hazel said with a laugh before going to help the next customer.
“I like what Jane chooses,” she said with a wide smile.
“Right,” Hazel said helping the next customer in line.
“Coffee?” Jane asked.
“Please.” She watched as Jane made her coffee just the way she liked it. Jane added the lid and handed her the coffee and bag that contained her food.