by Alexi Venice
“Wouldn’t miss that for the world.” Amanda grasped Jen’s hand and brought it up to her mouth. She planted a lazy kiss on both the palm and back.
Jen groaned, but it was a mix of pleasure and frustration.
Amanda’s eyes twinkled.
“I love you, but I have a clinic full of patients.” Jen reluctantly withdrew her hand.
“Busy is good, right?”
“Uh-huh. Can you wait here one sec, so I can make sure the coast is clear?”
“Of course. Is the boogeyman out there?” Amanda whispered.
Jen shook her head and left. She returned thirty seconds later and grabbed Amanda by the hand. She briskly led her down the back hallway, practically jerking her arm out of its socket, tossing her out the back door and into the stairwell. “You don’t mind exiting by the back stairwell, do you?”
“Do I have a choice?” Amanda mocked Jen’s hushed, but urgent, tone.
“Not this time,” Jen said.
“Must be someone really important if you’re going to this length.”
“Must be.” Jen gave Amanda a quick peck on the cheek and closed the door.
Amanda ran down the stairs and exited onto the sidewalk then texted Frank to pick her up there instead of in front of the building.
He arrived a few minutes later with her car.
Contrary to their usual routine, Amanda opened the back door for herself and got in.
“Is this our new exit?” he asked.
“Maybe. I kinda like it. Jen threw me out the back because she didn’t want me to see someone who was leaving by the front.”
“You mean Kip Moynihan, the reporter we love so much? He came out the front door about the same time you texted me.”
“Oh. The local celeb himself. Thanks for the info. Keep it to yourself, though. I don’t want anyone to think Jen told us.”
“Will do.”
When Amanda returned to work, she dove into an afternoon full of meetings.
***
That evening
Frank parked illegally in front of Jen’s apartment building, placing a white placard on the dashboard that said, “SFPD permit for District Attorney.” Amanda waited in the back seat with her garment bag until he opened the door for her. He grabbed the bag and escorted her up the stairway to Jen’s apartment where Amanda used her key to let herself in.
“Thanks Frank. I’ll see you at 7:30 tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll be here.”
She hung her bag in the entryway closet, so she wouldn’t look like she was moving in. She didn’t want to give Cy ammo to comment on the happy queer couple and their squadron of thousands taking over the city. Crotchety old man. Hearing voices from the kitchen, Amanda quickly made her way there to find Tommy, Cy, Jen and Kristin still seated at the table. They were mid-bite into tiramisu, full cups of coffee by their plates, except for Kristin, who had milk.
“Hi guys. That looks delicious, Jen,” she said, avoiding eye contact with Tommy.
“Mama Man!” Kristin yelled from her high chair.
Tommy laughed. “Mama Man?”
Jen slapped him on the forearm. “She can’t say ‘Amanda’ yet, so she shortened it to ‘Man.’”
Despite the explanation, his lop-sided smile broadened. “Hi, Mama Man. Sorry you couldn’t join us for dinner.”
Amanda appreciated his teasing, gently squeezing his shoulder, as she passed behind him to get Kristin.
“Hi Amanda,” Cy said.
“How are you feeling, Cy?” she asked.
“I’m getting better. Walked all the way up to Tommy’s house today.”
“Good for you.” Amanda lifted Kristin out of the booster chair and kissed her.
“Busy day at work?” Tommy asked.
“That, and I had to do some things at my house before coming over.” Kristin wriggled out of Amanda’s arms, so she could walk over to her little table of toys.
Amanda pulled out a chair at the table and sat at an angle, so she could watch Kristin as well as talk to the adults.
“I’m sorry we argued at work this morning. I was insensitive,” Tommy said, giving Amanda his puppy dog eyes.
She was stunned. Well, fuck me. All those negative thoughts were for nothing. Not immune to Tommy’s Italian charm, she gave him a small smile of her own.
Jen looked from Tommy to Amanda, and her expression changed from surprise to realizing the reason Amanda did yoga at her house instead of joining them for dinner.
“Thank you, Tommy. Me too,” Amanda said. She fiddled with a napkin as she threw an apologetic look at Jen. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the real reason I didn’t come to dinner.
Jen tipped up her chin to acknowledge that she read Amanda’s mind. “Want some tiramisu?”
“Is it from Stella’s?” Amanda asked.
“Yes. Tommy’s favorite, you know,” Jen said.
“Yum.” Amanda started to rise.
Jen patted the air, signaling for Amanda to sit back down. “I’ll get it.” She rose from the table and busied herself with cutting a slice. “Glass of milk or cup of decaf?”
“The decaf with cream and sugar, please,” Amanda said, then turned to Cy. “How does your stomach feel? Is it still painful?”
He lay his hand on his abdomen. “I get some dull achiness if I overdo it. Right here.” He pointed below his ribs. “Reminds me of when I was shot years ago. Same spot.”
“What do you do for the pain?” Amanda asked, genuinely curious.
“Lay down and rest. If I nap for a while, it usually goes away.”
“I should try that,” she said.
“Did you get shot?”
Doesn’t he know this? Didn’t we talk about this before? “Yes. A couple of months ago. Right here in my rib.” She lifted her sweatshirt and tank to show him the tiny red scar.
He leaned in to inspect it. “That’s so small I can barely see it.” Surprising her, he pulled the hem of his shirt out of his waistband and showed her his fresh surgical scar. “Look at this thing!”
“Aw, Pops. At the dinner table?!” Tommy said, covering his eyes.
“Now, that’s a scar!” Amanda said, making Tommy and Jen laugh.
“Damn right. Yours isn’t so bad, though. Welcome to the club.”
“A club I didn’t want to belong to. I found the entire experience terrifying.”
“That fades with time.” He lay his hand on hers.
He’s showing affection? Wonders never cease with these Vietti men. “Thank you, Cy.”
“Congratulations on winning your re-election,” he said.
She smiled and nodded.
“Do you work much with my nephew, Ryan?”
“A fair amount. He’s doing an excellent job,” she said.
“He was born for that job,” Cy said. “When the kids were little, he always took charge and kept ‘em in line.”
Tommy barked, “He was a bully! I was the peacemaker!”
Amanda laughed. “That sounds more like the Ryan and Tommy I know.”
Cy looked from one to the other and shook his head. “Never badmouth the boss.”
“He isn’t my boss,” Amanda said, smiling.
Jen set Amanda’s dessert and coffee in front of her.
“Thank you, Jen. I can’t wait.” Amanda savored the first bite, smiling at Jen, who winked and gave her a mock-angry smile.
At least she isn’t genuinely mad at me for skipping dinner.
“Well Pops, we should think about getting you home,” Tommy said.
“I suppose you’re right, son. Jen, another wonderful meal. I miss seeing you and Kristin every day like we used to.”
“Me too,” she said.
“I think Tommy and I should pool our resources and buy a house together over here, so we can live close by again.”
Amanda choked on her bite of dessert and reached for her coffee.
Tommy laughed. “Let’s give Jen a few months to settle in before we move next door, Pops.�
�
“If I wait for you to make a decision, I’ll die before we move. I’m going to contact a real estate agent tomorrow,” Cy said.
“Whoa, Pops. Take it easy now. I haven’t decided if I want to move yet.”
“I’m deciding for you,” Cy said.
“Really?!” Tommy drained the remainder of his coffee.
“If you’re serious, I can hook you up,” Amanda said to Tommy.
“You know a real estate agent?” Tommy asked.
“No, but my parents do. They just bought a house a few blocks away. They’re renovating it,” Amanda said.
“See? Her parents are moving in!” Cy said to Tommy.
“Why are your parents moving to the neighborhood, Amanda?” Tommy asked.
Jen’s eyes went wide, and she leaned back against the counter, cradling her coffee cup to her chest. When Amanda didn’t respond right away, Jen raised her eyebrows to prompt her.
Rather than verbalize her answer, Amanda held eye contact with Jen, who guessed correctly and answered for her. “I doubt her parents are actually moving into the house. They probably bought it and are renovating it for Amanda.”
Bingo. Amanda looked apologetically at Jen. “Well. I haven’t decided if I’m going to buy it from them yet, but I’m considering it.” Please don’t be angry. It’s fucking fabulous. You’re going to love it.
“When will it be finished?” Jen asked, trying to sound nonchalant.
“Soon. Would you like to go see it? It’s only two blocks away.”
“I’d love to,” Cy said. “I want to see how much house we can buy around here.”
Tommy rolled his eyes. “We’re not quite in Amanda’s league, Pops.”
“There are plenty of affordable houses in the Sunset,” Amanda said. “Come on. Let’s go. I’m excited to show you.”
They put a jacket on Kristin, and Tommy carried her stroller down to the sidewalk. Jen set Kristin in her seat and Tommy pushed.
“This way,” Amanda said, taking Jen by the hand and walking at a leisurely pace for Cy.
“Secretly building a house down the street?” Jen whispered.
“You know Jack and Chloe,” Amanda said in a blasé tone, as if they had spontaneously decided to spend a weekend in Mendocino. She knew she was testing Jen’s patience by floating this charade, but she feared that Jen would be furious with the truth. “I’ve seen it a few times, and, I have to admit, I’ve fallen in love with it. I might have to make a trade with them—my house in Sea Cliff for this house on the beach.”
“Don’t they own both?” Jen asked, a dollop of suspicion in her voice.
Amanda’s tummy was somersaulting with excitement, so she squeezed Jen’s hand tighter. This is it. I’m showing Jen the house for the first time. Don’t blow it. Don’t blow it. “Technically, yes, but I make monthly payments.”
“I see,” Jen said. Her tone was neutral, but Amanda could hear doubt behind it.
You will, Amanda thought but had more sense than to say. Instead, she brought Jen’s hand to her lips and kissed the back of it, hoping Jen would understand Amanda’s need to provide a suitable space for them. She has to feel as crowded as I do.
They arrived at a handsome rowhouse with a grey stucco exterior and white trim. Tommy removed Kristin from the stroller, and they followed Amanda up the front stoop to a bright red door with a small window at eye level.
Amanda pressed a code into the security panel, and they heard several beeps. She opened the door into a small foyer and flipped on a bank of lights. They were met by light grey walls, distressed wood floors, and an open-concept living/dining area with a wall of windows and a sliding door facing the ocean.
“Come in,” Amanda said, pulling Jen into the main living area. The house was obviously still undergoing work. There was paper taped to the floor to protect the main traffic areas, only half of the kitchen cupboards installed, and no countertops on the exposed cabinetry. Long, elegant light fixtures hung over the kitchen island and dining area, their cords pulled tight to the ceiling and folded and taped, so they wouldn’t be bumped when the countertops were set.
Amanda walked to a bank of lights in the kitchen and flipped them on, watching Jen’s face as the space was further illuminated. While considered a modest-sized house by most standards, the main area dwarfed Jen’s apartment. “Let me show you the deck. You can see the ocean from here.”
Amanda unlocked and threw open the sliding doors. They all walked onto a generous, new composite deck. A pergola made of the same material hung overhead.
“Watch Kristin,” Jen said, reaching for her.
“The deck has glass barriers, so she won’t fall.” Amanda took Kristin by the hand and showed her how she could press up against the glass.
There was a huge yard below and an empty lot between the house and Highway 1, Ocean Beach just beyond.
“Is that vacant lot for sale between you and the beach?” Tommy asked.
“It’s vacant, but Jack and Chloe bought it as well. There was a garage on it, so they tore that down. They plan to create a beautiful Zen garden with a swing set and play area for Kristin and their other grandchildren. First, though, they need to decide on the type of fence that will match the house to enclose the space.
“Other grandchildren, huh?” Jen asked, her dubious tone a clear indication that she knew very well that Amanda, not her parents, intended to live in this house.
“Well, yeah. Unless I buy the house from them, then it would be for Kristin and her cousins,” Amanda said, going to Jen. She slipped her arm around Jen’s waist. “Look, you can see the stars tonight.”
They looked up together, and the moment couldn’t have been more perfect. The moon was on the horizon and Venus and Mars were clearly visible. They could hear the surf gently lapping. Amanda felt Jen’s tense body relax a few degrees.
“It’s beautiful out here,” Jen said.
“So tranquil,” Amanda added. Let’s own something together.
“I need a house like this!” Cy said, leaning on the rail and looking out over the highway toward the beach.
“You do!” Amanda said. “Let me show you the rest of it.”
Chapter 8
Sunset District
Amanda lightly glided her hand around Jen’s slim waist and grasped her hand. There was no way she was letting go during this tour. She leaned down and held out her hand for Kristin, too. “Come on, Kristin. Let’s go inside.”
Kristin ignored Amanda’s hand and bolted through the open door, where she turned left and ran around the kitchen island. Tommy caught her on the other side. The kitchen was the epitome of modern: white cabinetry, stainless appliances, and a restaurant-style faucet over the sink.
Jen immediately focused on the stove. “Wow, a Wolf.” She ran her hand over it. “I love the red knobs. You’re sure you didn’t ask Jack and Chloe to design this house for you?”
“They do have good taste, don’t they?” Amanda asked, intentionally not answering the question.
“Suspiciously like mine,” Jen playfully narrowed her eyes at Amanda, telepathing I’m so onto you, but I’m flattered beyond belief.
Amanda couldn’t contain her happiness. “And look at this copper farm sink. I know someone who loves these.”
A sigh fell out of Jen’s mouth when she turned her attention to the shiny new copper. She traced her finger over the vine design on the front. She’d told Amanda ages ago that she had always wanted one. She said in a whisper, almost to herself, “You don’t play fair.”
“Not when there’s something I want more than anything else in the world,” Amanda whispered back. “Follow me.” Amanda led them back through the living area and up an open stairway that had a safety-glass railing for Kristin.
When they reached the upper level, the wall color changed from light grey to iced mocha, conjuring warmer tones. The master suite overlooked the ocean and had a bathroom the size of Jen’s current bedroom.
“This is way too extravagant,�
� Jen said, running her finger over the decorative tile above the bathroom counter.
“I think not. You know I like nice bathrooms. Do you like it?”
“I assume you can see the ocean through the sliding doors?” Jen asked.
“Yes.” Amanda was rewarded with the tiniest of smiles. Success! Keep moving.
“Let me show you the other bedroom up here.” Amanda led Jen to the bedroom next to the master. It was painted bright yellow with periwinkle blue trim. Tiny seashells were painted on the moldings and trim work.
“What a coincidence. Here’s a cheery bedroom for a small child,” Jen said.
“I hope you’re not angry,” Amanda said.
Jen exhaled, then breathed in through her nose. Amanda could tell Jen was taking calming breaths and tempering her remarks in Tommy and Cy’s company. “It’s beautiful.”
Every cell in Amanda’s body skipped down the street in the sunshine. If Jen liked what she saw up to this point, Amanda knew she could close the deal with her special surprise in the basement. “I have to show you the lower level. Come along.” They all returned to the main level, walked around the corner of the living room and descended the stairs to the lower level. Amanda turned on the lights.
Laid out before them was a yoga studio—with ballet bar and mirrors—in one half of the space, and a fully-equipped CrossFit-style gym in the other half. There were black interlocking mats on the floor, a weight-lifting cage, boxes, medicine balls, a rack of kettle bells, a rack of dumbbells and plates in several weights. In front of the high window to the backyard, was a treadmill and stationary bike. A rowing machine sat next to them.
“Holy cow!” Jen exclaimed.
Standing behind Jen, Amanda could see the surprise on Jen’s face in the full-length mirrors. Amanda’s heart blossomed, as she watched Jen take it all in.
“I could drop my membership at the CrossFit Box and spend more time with Kristin in the morning, or, even better, I could work out at night after she went to bed.” Jen trailed her fingers across the weight sets, then stopped and looked at Amanda. A mix of surprise, frustration and admiration crossed Jen’s face. “You are…something else. How did you know what’s in a CrossFit Box?”
“Jack told the decorator to research it and duplicate one. Plus, we all know you like to bike, swim and run. So, the cardio equipment was a no-brainer.”