Love Isn't Always Easy: A Lesbian Romance (The Jersey Girls Book 3)

by Lydia Rose

“What type of business venture?” Jane asked.

  “A possible program for the Food Network.”

  Jane swallowed. “Okay,” she said softly.

  “If you and Mr. Parker are free tonight, I’d like to sit down and talk. My house isn’t far from the store.”

  “Let me check with Denny. Can you hold a moment, please?” Jane asked trying to keep her voice from showing her emotions.

  “Of course.”

  Jane put him on hold and then began jumping up and down.

  “What?” Denny asked getting excited.

  “He wants to speak with us about a possible project for the Food Network.”

  Denny’s eyes opened wide and he gripped the counter to steady his wobbly legs.

  “He wants us to go to his house and talk about this. Tonight?”

  “Sure,” Denny said with a shaky voice. His eyes looked like saucers as Jane went back to her conversation with the man.

  “Mr. Archer, what time would you like us to come over?”

  “How is seven thirty?”

  “Fine, sir.”

  He gave Jane the address and hung up.

  “Oh, Denny,” Jane said taking him into her arms and danced around the kitchen. “Do you think he’s going to offer us a show?”

  “Maybe you, you’re the good looking one in this pair,” he said with a laugh.

  “I won’t do this without you.” Jane squeezed Denny close. “I’ve got to call Erin.”

  “Hi, honey,” Jane said when Erin picked up the call.

  “You sound excited.”

  “I am. Denny and I have a meeting with someone from the Food Network tonight.”

  “About what?” Erin asked skeptically.

  “All he would say is a business venture.”

  “What’s his name?”

  Jane gave the name to Erin and she could hear her punching the information into her computer. “He is legit. Archer works for the Food Network and has no criminal record.”

  “Thanks for looking out for us,” Jane said laughing, but rolled her eyes.

  “So I guess I won’t be seeing you tonight?”

  “I’m sorry, Erin. I don’t know how long this meeting is going to last. If it’s short, I’ll give you a call.”

  “Call me anyway.”

  “I will. I love you.”

  “Love you too, Jane.”

  Jane went home and jumped in the shower. When she was dressed she came down and told her family about her meeting that evening.

  “That sounds so exciting, Jane,” Helen said smiling. “You could be going to New York and filming your own show.”

  “Don’t get too excited, Mom. Who knows what he’ll offer, if anything.”

  “This is just like your idol, Ina Garten. You have a store like she did and now you’ll have your own show on the Food Network.”

  “Mom, stop. You’ll jinx this whole thing.” Jane drank from the bottle of water she removed from the refrigerator trying to calm her nerves.

  “What did Erin say?” Abby asked.

  “She was excited for me and Denny.” Jane turned when she heard Denny knock on the door. “We’ve got to go. I’ll see you later.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

  Denny and Jane walked up the front walk of David Archer’s home. Of course it was an oceanfront home and had so many rooms from the footprint that the house sat on. A maid opened the door.

  “Hello. Mr. Archer is in his study awaiting your arrival. Can I get you something to drink?”

  “No thank you,” they both said and followed the maid.

  The woman knocked on the door and opened the door. “Your guests are here, Mr. Archer.”

  “Thank you, Marion. Would either one of you like something to drink?”

  “No, sir, Marion already asked us.” Denny answered.

  “Then come sit down so we can talk.” He pointed to the two chairs in front of his desk.

  Then he began. “You two have created a niche in this town that has been lacking for years. I’m sure most of your clientele is like my wife and I who spend summers here and don’t always want to go out to eat.”

  Both Denny and Jane nodded in agreement.

  “Your food is wonderful. I understand most of the recipes are yours, Ms. Simmons.”

  “They are, but Denny and I have created a lot together,” Jane added.

  “I’d like to do a pilot with the two of you. Most of our shows have a single chef or maybe they’ll have a guest come on to cook with them. I believe with the two of you, there could be some interesting banter while you cook.”

  “If we do this pilot, what would happen?” Denny asked.

  “Then we’d offer you both a show.”

  “We can’t be away from our store,” Jane said quickly.

  “I understand that. I was thinking you must be slower in the winter.” They both nodded. “Well, I have an empty house here in the winter that we could use to film the episodes. Would that work for the both of you?”

  Denny and Jane looked at each other and smiled. “That would work. Would the pilot be filmed here?” Jane asked.

  “No. You both would have to come to New York for that. We would film at the network. It would take just one day, a long day, but just one day.” David Archer stood up. “You both can talk it over and get back to me.”

  Denny and Jane stood up. “We will,” Denny said shaking his hand.

  “Thank you, Mr. Archer,” Jane said as she shook his hand.

  “I believe you two will be a natural for the network.”

  “Thank you again.”

  He walked them out.

  Denny pulled the car away, but stopped once they were away from the house. They both began to scream with excitement.

  “I guess you want to say yes?” Denny asked laughing.

  “Don’t you?” Jane punched his arm playfully and then covered her face hiding her sheer joy.

  “Of course I do. Who would say no to their own show?”

  “Can you drop me off at Erin’s apartment?”

  “Let’s go,” he said as put the car in drive again. “I guess we should wait until tomorrow to say yes. We don’t want to seem too eager.”

  “Good idea.” They pulled up to Erin’s apartment building. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Denny.”

  “Good night, Ms. TV star.”

  Jane smiled. “Good night, Mr. TV star.”

  She knocked softly on Erin’s door. “Surprise,” she said when the door opened.

  “I didn’t expect to see you tonight,” Erin said smiling. She pulled Jane into the apartment. “Your meeting is over already?”

  “Yep. He told us what he wanted and we left.

  “Well, are you going to keep me in suspense?”

  “He wants Denny and I to do a pilot for the Food Network,” Jane said excitedly. Her body was thrumming and she had a hard time standing still.

  “That’s great.” Erin tried to sound excited, but now she feared that Jane would be leaving New Jersey. “Do you have to move to New York to do a show if they want?”

  “That’s the best part. We would have to go to New York to film the pilot, but if it’s picked up,” Jane was grinning from ear to ear, “We would film the episodes in the winter in Mr. Archer’s home right here.”

  Now Erin smiled a real smile. “I’m so happy for you, honey.” She grabbed Jane and pushed her back on the couch. “Will you want to know a small town beat cop after you are famous?”

  “Sweetie, there is nothing in my life that can happen that will ever change my love for you.”

  “Good because I will never let you go.” Erin kissed her deeply.

  “You better not,” Jane said when she came up for air.

  Erin wondered if six months from now, Jane would still feel the same way. Fame and money tends to change people whether they wanted to or not. Erin needed to sit with her best friend to calm her down.

  CHAPTER TWENTY THREE

  Casey agreed to meet Erin Saturday morn
ing in their favorite diner. Erin sat sipping her second cup of coffee waiting for Casey to arrive. Over the last two days she didn’t spend much time with Jane. Between the store and phone calls with the Food Network people, there wasn’t time for anyone else.

  Casey slid into the booth. “So what’s got your panties in a twist?” she asked signaling the waitress for coffee.

  Erin waited until the waitress left their table. “Denny and Jane have been asked to do a pilot for the Food Network.”

  “Wow, that’s great.” Casey looked at Erin’s face. “Why do I think that wasn’t good news to you?”

  “I can’t lose her, Casey. Not after waiting all these years for her.” Erin’s eyes filled with tears.

  “Who says you’re going to lose her?” Casey asked, not understanding.

  “If the network likes the pilot, they want them to do episodes. If that’s a big hit, she’ll be moving closer to the studios.”

  “Did she tell you that?” Casey asked as her head titled to the side.

  “No, but—”

  “Don’t start adding buts to your sentences. Jane doesn’t give me the impression of being a flake. I can’t see her just up and leaving you, Erin.”

  “Maybe not, but suppose she wants me to move with her? I don’t want to live in New York.”

  “Where is all this wild imagination coming from?”

  Erin shrugged. “Fear.”

  “You are afraid of something that hasn’t happened and may never happen.” Casey took a breath. “Right?” she asked forcing Erin to look at her.

  Erin nodded, “I’m being irrational?”

  “Yes, you are.”

  Erin released the breath she had been holding. “Thank you. I knew you could talk me off the ledge— again.”

  “Don’t project your fears onto Jane and don’t try pushing her away because of that imagination of yours.” Erin’s phone buzzed. She read the text from Jane. “Where are you? I thought you would have stopped in here this morning. “Jane wants to know where I am,” she relayed to Casey.

  “See. She misses you.”

  Erin began typing. I’m having breakfast with Casey right now. Jane’s response came quickly. Okay, sweetie. Stop by if you want or have time. Love you. A smile appeared on Erin’s face as she read the text.

  “I can tell by that smile that Jane said something sweet to you. You are a big goof and worried about nothing. That woman loves you.”

  “Yeah, she does,” Erin said blushing.

  ****

  Erin walked into the store at two o’clock. “Hello, ladies, pretty quiet in here.”

  “We’re in between right now. Breakfast and lunch are over. Soon we will be crowded with people looking to pick up dinner,” Rita explained. “Are you here for something to eat or see the boss?”

  Erin smiled. “The boss.”

  “Thought so. She was looking for you this morning.” Rita waived her hand. “Go on back.”

  Erin opened the kitchen door only to find her lips captured by Jane’s mouth. “I missed you.”

  “I missed you, too. You’ve been kind of busy these last few days.”

  Jane kissed her softly again. “I feel bad about that, but I’m yours for the next two days.” Jane’s fingers moved gently across Erin’s cheek. “What would you like to do with our time?” she asked raising an eyebrow.

  Erin laughed. “Well, that, of course. But I would also like to take you to dinner, maybe a walk on the beach. You know normal stuff that couples do.”

  Jane wrinkled her eyebrows. “What about Sunday?”

  Erin began to smile and leaned in near her ear. “Stay with you in bed all day.”

  “That’s better,” Jane said coming back for another kiss.

  Rebecca walked back into the kitchen. “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  “That’s okay. Honey, come meet Rebecca.” Jane took her hand and led her over to Rebecca. “Erin, this is Chef Rebecca, our wonderful helper and a wonderful chef. Without Rebecca, Denny and I wouldn’t have any time off. Rebecca, Erin is my girlfriend.”

  “It’s good to meet you, Rebecca, and thanks for giving me more time with my best gal,” Erin said shaking the woman’s hand.

  “It’s nice to meet you too, Erin.” She looked at the two women holding hands. “Jane, why don’t you take off? Everything is under control for the dinner rush.”

  “Are you sure, Rebecca? Suppose it gets very busy?”

  “The showcases are filled and the specials are all made for the orders we received.” She smiled at the two women. “Go enjoy yourselves.”

  Jane looked at Erin and grinned. “You’ve got my number if you need me.”

  “Go,” Rebecca said pushing her out the door.

  “Ladies,” Jane said when she got to the front of the store. “Rebecca is in charge and will close the store tonight. Call me if something comes up.”

  “How do you do that, Erin?” Rita asked laughing.

  “What?” Erin asked, not understanding the question.

  “How do you make this woman forget about the business that has been her life for so long?”

  “Don’t answer that,” Jane said pulling Erin toward the door.

  Before Erin was pulled out the door, she looked at Rita. “She loves me,” she said with a shrug.

  “We know that,” Hazel shouted before the door closed.

  The two women broke into fits of laughter. Rebecca poked her head into the store. “Love,” she said softly, “isn’t it grand?”

  “I wish I had someone like that in love with me,” Hazel said with a sigh.

  “You want to date a woman?” Rita asked chuckling.

  “Maybe, I can’t find a man to treat me the way Erin treats Jane. You can feel the love they have for each other when they are in a room together.”

  “Yeah, I know,” Rita said sighing and no longer laughing.

  “Where do you want to go now?” Erin asked standing next to a smiling Jane.

  “Follow me,” Jane said as she dashed to her car. As soon as Erin was behind her, she led the way.

  It wasn’t long before Erin knew exactly where they were going. “Horny woman,” she said to the empty car as she followed Jane to her apartment.

  Jane beat her to the apartment when Erin caught a red light. By the time Erin entered the apartment she saw a trail of clothes leading to the bedroom. Erin leaned on the door frame and watched as her lover lay naked across the bed.

  “I thought since you got out early you would want to do something.” Her grin was wide as her arms crossed in front of her.

  “I do want to do something, but you are going to have to take your clothes off first,” Jane said giggling. Her hand came up motioning for Erin. “I’ve missed you.” Now she patted the bed, but Erin didn’t move. “Please.”

  The grin left Erin’s lips as she peeled off her clothes quickly. At the edge of the bed she said, “Since you asked so nicely, I guess we can find something to occupy our time.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR

  Over the next few months, Jane practically moved into Erin’s apartment. Jane spent a few days a week with her grandmother, but she always returned to the apartment so they could sleep in the same bed.

  After the pilot was filmed, Jane and Denny sat on pins and needles wondering if the show would be picked up. Then they were told that the show would air the following Saturday morning.

  Erin taped the show so that everyone could watch in the evening together. The phone calls began Monday morning. Their show was a hit and twelve episodes were ordered. Denny and Jane were in such demand they had to hire an agent. Ben Cross came to them with an offer he received. They were being offered a large advance to write a cook book. The more Jane and Denny were in demand, the more time Erin spent apart from her.

  Jane unexpectedly came home early one evening. “Hi, honey,” she was wearing a big smile.

  “Hey,” Erin called from the couch.

  “Aren’t you happy to see me? Jane asked as she took a seat
next to Erin on the couch.

  “Jane, do you realize it’s been a week since I’ve seen you?” Erin asked, never taking her eyes off the TV screen.

  “I know that and why are we sitting here talking when we could be in the bedroom making love?” Jane asked kissing Erin’s neck.

  “Is that all I am to you?” Erin asked sliding down on the couch.

  “What?” Jane asked, unsure what she had done to piss off Erin.

  “The only time I see you is when you want sex.”

  Jane chuckled. “That’s not true.”

  “Yeah, when was the last time we had dinner together or just sat on the couch watching a movie?” Erin’s frustration was building.

  “Do you think that’s all you are to me, a sex object?” Jane sighed in frustration. “I love you, Erin. You are everything to me.”

  “You have a funny way of showing it,” Erin said barely in a whisper.

  “I’m so sorry, Erin. The network has been demanding more and more from Denny and me.”

  “I know they have, but you can always say no.” Erin knew she sounded childish, but she wanted to spend time with Jane in and out of the bedroom.

  “Erin, this has been my dream since I was ten years old.”

  “I know it is and that’s why you were single for thirty three years. There wasn’t enough room in your life for anything other than your precious work.”

  “So this is it?” Jane asked reaching for Erin’s chin. “You’re ending this because you are jealous of my work?”

  “No, Jane. I’m ending this now because you’ll leave in the end anyway.” Erin turned her back. “It hurts, Jane. If I wait any longer, I don’t know if I could survive.” Tears were already forming in Erin’s eyes and she felt as if she could vomit.

  Jane put her hand on Erin’s shoulder, but Erin moved away quickly. “Don’t do this to us, Erin. I love you.”

  “I know you do. I don’t have any doubt of that, but you love what you are doing more than me.” Erin spun around. “I do understand, Jane. Really I do.”

  “Then don’t shut me out. Be patient with me until this whole thing settles down.”

  “Suppose it never does? Even if does, you come in contact with so many people. It’s only a matter of time before you find someone else that has more in common with you.”