Through The Window

by Wendy Campbell

“I have an idea.” Anna smiled.

  Mel cast her a desperate glance. “What?”

  “Let’s see what Julia can come up with first.” Her smile warned of mischief.

  “Sorry,” Julia said a few minutes later. “The only four guys that meet the criteria, including being able to speak coherently, are otherwise occupied. There’s some sporting event.”

  “Baseball.” Alex took the red baseball hat off the shelf and put it on. “The Mariners are finally on a winning streak. Do they have an extra ticket?”

  “Sorry, I didn’t ask. Forgive me?” Julia gave him an innocent smile.

  Alex’s face turned crimson, and if history was an indicator, he’d start stuttering any minute.

  “Can you save the flirting for later?” Mel asked as she snatched the hat and put it back on the shelf.

  “Come on, I like that hat.”

  Mel slapped his hand away. “If you help me, I’ll buy you a new one.”

  “Deal. What can I do?”

  “Think. We’re running short on time.”

  “What about an escort service?” Anna asked.

  “No.” Julia shook her head. “It’s tonight. Any man worth bringing would be taken by now. Besides, the good ones are expensive.”

  “I’m surprised the escort services aren’t begging you to work for them,” Mel said. “You could probably make a fortune.”

  Julia examined her fingernail.

  “Have you been an escort before?”

  “Once or twice. Strictly on the up and up, of course.”

  “There’s your answer.” Anna glanced at her watch. “I’ve got to run.”

  “Wait.” Mel grabbed her arm. “What’s my answer?”

  “It’s simple. Take Julia. She’s gorgeous, and an experienced escort.”

  “But Julia’s a girl,” Mel blurted out. The others stared wide-eyed at Anna.

  “Think about it. You chased Sebastian out your front door—metaphorically speaking,” Anna added before Mel could protest. “You’re desperate. You need someone who can knock the socks off our entire class. Did you ever say, when making this ridiculous bet that your date would be male?”

  “I don’t think so, but I was so mad parts of it are just a blur.”

  “If you don’t remember,” Anna said as she put on her jacket, “Jen won’t either. I’ll see you tonight. God, this is going to be fun. And let me know if you want help with Sara’s surprise.”

  “Wait.” Mel tightened her grip. “They’ll think we’re lesbians. And some of the judges will be women.”

  “Look at her.” Anna waved at Julia. “Every woman knows what she is. They may hate her, they may envy her, but deep down they all want to be her. How could they not vote for her?”

  “But...” Mel began, but she couldn’t think of a valid protest.

  “Have people question your sexual orientation or sing soprano.” Anna shrugged and with a final wave, she was gone.

  Mel closed the door and leaned against it. “Well, what do you think?”

  “Julia will win, hands down,” Alex said.

  She turned to Julia. “Would you do it?”

  Julia’s lips curved into a sly smile. “Sounds like fun.”

  Pretending to be a lesbian hadn’t been Mel’s plan, but what choice did she have?

  Chapter Thirteen

  Jordan locked the door to his parents’ house and climbed in his truck. He’d barely make it to the reunion on time. With a glance at his old T-shirt, complete with a tear on the sleeve, and grease stains decorating the bottom, he knew he’d have to change first.

  As far as he was concerned, pomp and ceremony were a waste of time, but he’d refused to be on the planning committee, so he couldn’t really complain. Maybe Melanie would be there, dressed in some provocative, skimpy dress. There’d be dancing. He might get to hold her close, run his hands over her sexy curves and see where the night took them.

  Or he could get his head straight and remember she was trouble.

  As he turned onto Oak Street, Mrs. Carlson, Cedar Valley’s notorious bingo addict, pulled out in her black Crown Vic. If he turned around and took Sherlock it would add ten minutes to his drive. Resigned, he slowed and left a good distance between them. Crawling along the back road at half the speed limit tested his patience, but he didn’t dare pass her. With his luck, Mrs. Carlson would make a left turn and put them both in the hospital.

  When the Crown Vic coasted to a stop in the middle of the road, Jordan got out and waited for Mrs. Carlson to roll down her window.

  “Evening, ma’am.”

  “You’re one of those Stone boys,” she said in her schoolteacher voice.

  “Yes, ma’am. What seems to be the problem?”

  “I don’t have the faintest idea.” She beamed. “Do you?”

  “You might have run out of gas.”

  “I’m sure you’re right. I always forget silly things like buying gas, especially since they won’t pump it for me anymore. Always wanting me to do it myself. How do you get that vile stuff off your clothes? Awful. Gives me a headache. Now Johnny Richards, he’ll pump it for me, but I haven’t seen him in a while.”

  Jordan refused to be the one to break the news that old Johnny Richards died eight years ago. “I’ll get you some gas.” He could go home, change, and grab a gas can. It’d be quicker than going back to town. “I’ll be back in fifteen minutes.”

  She opened her door and giggled. “Give me a hand. I’m going with you. It’s not everyday I get to be seen with such a handsome young man. Be sure to honk when you drive by Dotty Gillette’s, so she can get a good look at me passing time with such a handsome boy.”

  ****

  “Stop that,” Julia snapped from the driver’s seat.

  Melanie lifted her sweaty palms. She’d been rubbing them on the clingy scarlet dress Julia had picked out after three horrendous hours of shopping.

  Although she’d agreed to masquerade as a lesbian, the idea hadn’t really hit home until they left for the reunion ten minutes ago. She’d been too busy getting a makeover. Reluctantly, she gave in and wore the push-up bra Julia made her buy. It did the job, but she felt like a fraud. She would have put her foot down about the tape if she’d known what Julia intended to do with it. One-inch wide, beige tape ran from the top of Mel’s shoulders, across her back and down to the far side of her ribs. Not only did the tight X prevent her from slouching, it forced her shoulders back and her chest—complete with exaggerated boobs—straight out.

  Thanks to a bottle of mystery liquid, her hair draped perfectly over one shoulder. It didn’t so much as twitch when she shook her head. Just to test it, she’d tipped her head upside down, which made Julia mad and resulted in another five minutes of torture with the blow dryer.

  She flipped down the visor and studied her reflection in the mirror. Her face was covered with so much gook she barely recognized herself. But after the hair incident, she believed Julia’s threats and promised not to touch the makeup. During her teen years, she’d transformed herself into different personas to burglarize houses for Mick. Blending into the scenery became automatic. Now, the idea of purposely standing out petrified her.

  “Melanie, relax.” Julia glanced at her over a bare shoulder.

  Her hair was piled on top of her head and a few seductive strands softened the edges of her face. Melanie smirked. I might be going to the reunion as a lesbian, but at least I have style. Actually, her lesbian partner had the style, which was far more important. There was just one thing Mel hadn’t mentioned.

  “Um, Julia, it’s not just the lesbian thing that’s going to come up.” She closed the visor and stared straight ahead. “At the end of my senior year, Jen convinced our entire school that I burglarized her neighbor’s house.”

  “Why?”

  “Probably because I was just leaving the back yard when the police got there.” She could feel Julia’s glance, but her friend stayed silent.

  “I didn’t take anything. I was just in
the wrong place at the wrong time, but Jen saw the police question me. She thinks I hid a bunch of valuables and now I’ve come back to get them.”

  Julia laughed. “This is great.”

  “Are you crazy? Everyone thinks I’m a thief.”

  “Rumors are usually designed not only to hurt you, but also to make people question whether they really knew you. Even if they didn’t believe her, they would wonder why you were there. The police could have arrested you, but they didn’t, right?” Julie gave her a wide smile. “Built in suspense. You’re already a mystery to the very people we’re going to fool.”

  “I never thought of it that way.”

  They rode in silence. When they reached the hotel, all Mel’s doubts hit full force. She could picture herself, breezing to the door, arm linked with Julia’s and... Then what? The night stretched before her like a huge chasm without a bridge.

  “Julia, what are we doing? What if I trip with these high heels and land on my ass?”

  “You won’t. You’ve got excellent balance. Besides, you’re my student in the art of seduction, and I’m a damn good teacher. Now do the deep breathing exercise I showed you and relax. We’re going to have fun.”

  “You’ll have fun because you’re a guy magnet.” She sounded like a petulant child, but she couldn’t help it. “You walk into a room, and every man has an instant hard-on.”

  Julia laughed, a deep, sultry sound. “They better, or I’m not doing my job.”

  “Meanwhile, I’ll pretend to be a lesbian while facing the people responsible for the most embarrassing moments of my life. This is a mistake. Turn around. I want to go home.”

  “Not on your life. We’re going to have a blast.”

  “Pretending you’re a lesbian doesn’t bother you?”

  Julia smiled. “Quite the contrary. Can you imagine the fantasies we’re going to send these gentlemen home with?”

  “I don’t care about their fantasies. I just want to win the bet and get out of there.”

  “Male fantasies are how we’re going to win it, sweetheart. Seeing us together will make them think of having sex with two women and poof, they’ll be sucked into fantasy land.”

  Mel wondered if they really could win with something as simple as fantasies.

  “Checklist,” Julia said as she touched up her lipstick. Checklist was the system they developed as teenagers to keep their stories straight and help build courage for whatever adventure awaited.

  “We’ve been dating for two years,” Mel said. “We’re planning to tie the knot as soon as it’s legal in Washington. I discovered I was a lesbian four years ago. You’ve always known. Right?”

  “Yes, and we’re madly in love. Don’t forget, we still like sex with men,” Julia said.

  Her face grew hot. “I can’t say that.”

  “You don’t have to. Just think sex. Hot, sultry sex, primal music, and an amazing guy. The message will hit home without either of us saying a word. That unspoken knowledge is one of the most elemental tools in building fantasies, and that’s our ticket to victory.” Julia opened the door of her Beamer and looked at Mel over the top. “Honey, this is important. There is to be no skulking, slouching, or hiding. You are here to get their attention. Get it, keep it, and the night will be a success. Okay?”

  “I’ll try.”

  “Remember, swish and glide.” Julia handed her keys to the valet and took Mel’s arm. “Head up. Give me a sexy smile. Now, let’s go blow their balls off.”

  Mel snorted with laughter and tried to turn it into something sexy, but she ended up giggling all the way to the door.

  Mirrors, subtle lighting, and gold trim surrounded the lobby. Mel could see more reflections of herself here than in the House of Mirrors at the county fair. Each one looked nervous.

  The perky check-in attendant searched for their nametags. When she found it, she pointed at the little star on the right corner. “So, you’re the one.” The attendant smiled and held out a nametag. “Nineteen ballots were randomly assigned, with instructions to be turned into me after the first hour. The count will be ready fifteen minutes after that. I just need your partner’s name.” She paused, pen in hand.

  “Julia Taylor,” Mel said, but her tongue felt thick. She swallowed. “My date is Julia Taylor.” Better. She peeled off the adhesive with shaking fingers and plastered the nametag to her dress.

  Julia shook her head, reached over and peeled it off. “Can we please get another one?”

  “What’s wrong with that one?” Mel asked.

  “Placement, my dear. We’re trying to enhance specific features.” She carefully placed the new nametag on the top of Mel’s left breast.

  “I don’t want to enhance them,” Mel whispered. “They’re fake.”

  “There’s no silicon or padding,” Julia whispered back. “They’re real. Enjoy them.” Julie tucked Mel’s hand into the crook of her elbow and they strolled into the ballroom.

  With her head held high, Mel kept a death grip on Julia’s arm. More mirrors and a high ceiling made the room feel huge. Blue and silver balloons drifted up from the round tables, framing the stage and the dancing area. Panic quivered in her stomach. How does a woman dance with another woman?

  The details of the room blurred like a fuzzy TV as Mel’s gaze focused on Darren DeVancy, the first boy she’d kissed. It figured. The primary player in one of her more humiliating memories grinned at her. The kiss wouldn’t have been such a disaster, but he hadn’t intended to kiss her at all. Apparently, he was going to tell her she had something stuck in her front teeth, but in her excitement, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him, mostly because Jordan was nearby. Still, Darren didn’t have to push her away, wipe his mouth and yell “Yuck!” in front of Jordan Stone and half the eighth grade.

  “Can we get two shots of Jamison’s and a Diet Coke?” Julia asked in a quiet, brisk tone.

  Mel blinked and realized they were at the bar. The bartender, a stocky, balding man, stared at Julia with his mouth hanging open. Then he blinked and started on the drinks.

  “Two shots?” Mel asked.

  “Here you are.” Julia took the glass from the bartender and handed it to Mel. “Drink it. Don’t turn around.” Julia smiled and winked at the bartender, who bobbled a glass.

  “Do it,” Julia demanded.

  Mel closed her eyes and tossed it back. Lightning shot down her throat, and she gasped, trying to suck in air. Tears leaked from her eyes. She finally managed to breathe, and a pleasant heat spread from her stomach.

  Julia handed her the second one. “Quick, before someone comes to the bar.”

  “I think one’s enough.”

  “Two will be better. Drink it.”

  With Julia’s command ringing in her ears, Mel downed it. Not as bad as the first—at least after she stopped coughing.

  Julia gave her the Diet Coke. “Just sip. Keep it in your hands so you don’t fidget.”

  As they stepped away from the bar, Mel realized she didn’t care if these people thought she was a lesbian. Or a thief. Really, what did it matter? A warm glow spread over her entire body like an insulating bubble, an invisible shield.

  Somewhere deep in her head, a little alarm rang, telling her the newfound security wasn’t real. So what if it’s the alcohol? She’d rather float through this crowd than try to hide.

  Speculative glances followed them around the room. Mel couldn’t stop giggling. “This is fun.”

  Julia gave her a suspicious look. “Damn. I forgot you’re a lightweight. Let’s get you moving.” She wrapped an arm around Mel’s waist.

  As they walked around the room, Mel could feel gazes scanning her up and down, front and back. She held her head at just the right angle and kept a secretive smile in place. Conversation droned to a halt. For the first time she could remember, she was actually proud to be the center of attention. God, she wanted to cheer.

  “Melanie Quinn? Is that you?” Carolyn Myers, an old middle school friend, stepped in f
ront of her.

  “Carolyn, how are you?” She would have given the woman a hug, but Julia tightened her grip. Okay. She had to get a hold of herself and not hug anyone, but Julia. She tried to shake off the buzz.

  “I’m fine,” Carolyn said, her gaze flicking between Julia and her. “This is your, uh, mmm...”

  “Significant other is the proper term.” Woohoo, she sounded like she meant it. Practice and a couple of shots really did help.

  “Lovers, soul-mates, the list goes on,” Julia put in with an airy wave of her hand. “We’re even thinking of a wedding.”

  Mel stifled her chuckle at Carolyn’s open-mouthed astonishment. Julia’s grip tightened in warning, and Mel managed to turn it into a cough.

  “Is this your husband?” Mel asked with a nod toward the overweight man at Carolyn’s side. The center of his head was completely bald, and his beady, unblinking eyes were fixed on Julia.

  “Yes, this is Edward.”

  “Hi, Edward, this is my partner, Julia.”

  Mel turned in time to see Julia run her tongue over her top lip. Carolyn gave her husband a hard jab in the ribs. He grunted, but he didn’t look away. The poor sap. He would pay for that later if Carolyn’s white-knuckled grip on his arm was any indication.

  “Nice to meet you,” he mumbled.

  “You too,” Mel said, trying to keep her eyes off the bulge in his pants. “If you’ll excuse us, I see Jeanette Appleton, and I really must say hello.”

  “Perfect,” Mel whispered to Julia with a giggle. “Another minute and he would have promised you a trip to Tahiti.”

  “We’re just getting started. Watch and learn.”

  “Quinn,” boomed a loud, male voice. “Is that really you?”

  “Here we go,” Mel muttered to Julia. Turning, she lifted her brows at Miles Anderson, the most irritating jock in their class and the homecoming king. He was Jen’s perfect counterpart and even now was flanked by his ever-present sidekicks. His ring finger was bare, and Mel remembered Anna mentioning he’d gone through a bitter divorce.

  “Miles.” Mel gave him a cool smile.

  “Jen told me you might show up. After you split town one step ahead of the police, I’m surprised you have the nerve to show your face.” His smile glittered with malice. “It’s time for you to answer a question.”