“Your timing’s perfect. We just finished, except for one last check.” Kasey set the level across the top step. “Anyone looking?” she asked.
“You’re as bad as your ol’ man,” grinned Troy.
Kasey only laughed and knocked her knuckles once on the step in front of the level, where the bubble rested perfectly between the lines.
“Is this another inside joke?”
“Sort of,” replied Troy. “Her dad always asks that when he’s finished a difficult job and he’s making the final check to see if a piece fits or if it’s level. Then when you say something stupid like ‘Just me, why?’ he says, ‘Cuz I’m about to walk on water.’”
“Pretty sure of himself, isn’t he?” Connie laughed.
“If I hadn’t been watching him, I would’ve sworn he’d already checked it. He’s a character, but he’s good.”
“He has his moments,” returned Kasey.
“You must have inherited some of them,” Connie said. “That looks pretty level to me.”
“So now you’re a quick-study carpenter’s assistant, I suppose,” laughed Kasey.
“Maybe the city will hire her as an inspector,” Troy chimed in. “Then we wouldn’t have to put up with ol’ what’s-his-breath. “
“Larry Lush? He’s 80 proof by nine A.M. Yep,” agreed Kasey. “I definitely think you ought to apply.”
“Would I have to put up with characters like you two all day long?”
Troy shook his head. “Worse.”
“Never mind, I’ll keep my day job. Which reminds me, I have to get back. I just stopped to tell you to be ready to leave your house at six-thirty, Kase. I’ve got reservations for seven.”
“You’re still not going to tell me where we’re going?”
“No, it’s part of your birthday surprise. All I’ll tell you is, don’t eat lunch and dress to the nines, as my grandma used to say.”
“Any special requests on what I should wear?”
“Anything, so long as I can see lots of leg, and don’t cover your arms.”
Troy nudged his cousin playfully. “A little skin, Kase.”
“What do you want me to wear?” Connie asked.
“You know what I like,” Kasey said with a tilt of her head.
“Yes, but we’re going to be in public,” she returned with a not-soinnocent smile. “Sorry, Troy. The peach dress, right?”
Kasey nodded with a smile and watched Connie back across the yard.
“Don’t let her be late, Troy,” she called from the drive. “And don’t forget that we’re stopping at Sharon’s for a drink after.”
Kasey nodded and waved as the car backed out of the drive.
“You’re voluntarily taking Connie to face Attila the Hun?”
She shook her head. “I’m sure it’s a mistake. We even argued over it, and Connie’s the one insisting on going.”
“Why?”
“Connie thinks that if we don’t go, Sharon will assume that Connie was the one who didn’t want to, and that will give Sharon one more reason to dislike her. Connie’s really trying to make Sharon give her a chance. The bottom line is, she doesn’t want to affect my relationship with Sharon.”
“Not possible.”
“You and I know that, but Connie is an incredible optimist.”
“Man, she’s nothin’ like Cindy.”
“One more reason why I love her so much, and probably why I gave in,” admitted Kasey. “I was up front with Sharon, though. I made her promise to behave, or I wouldn’t come.”
Troy cocked his head. “But you know Attila,” he chuckled. “No prisoners.”
“Connie’s not easily intimidated. Then again, I’m sure she’s never run through the bramble bushes bare-legged. It’s a shame to ruin what I’m sure will be an otherwise wonderful evening. But I’ve got to give Connie a chance, too.”
“Happy birthday anyway,” he said, giving Kasey a quick hug on his way up the steps.
Twenty-five
Keeping her secret right to the last minute, Connie pulled into the crowded parking lot of a large, beautifully lighted restaurant. “The South Sea?” Kasey remarked, reading the tropical looking neon sign. “Have you ever been here?”
“No, but it looks interesting.”
“According to Tom, this is supposed to be the Polynesian restaurant.”
A parking valet met them at the entrance. Connie snapped off her car ring and handed it to him. She smiled excitedly as Kasey came around the car. “Well, let’s see,” she said as they entered through a huge wooden door. They were greeted quickly by a man adorned in colorful ethnic attire and directed across a bridge that spanned an actual stream. Entering the main part of the restaurant, both women were immediately struck by its magnitude and beauty. Narrow paths wound around plots of tropical plants that nestled privately among splashes of brilliant flowers. And stretching magnificently the full three stories along the back wall was a man-made cliff side.
As they began their ascent along the paths to the next level, they could see a body of soft blue water, surrounded by large rocks, that rested directly below the cliff wall. “Unbelievable,” exclaimed Kasey.
“He said it was like a little piece of paradise. Wait ’til you see where we’re sitting.”
They continued across bridges and up the path to a table by itself right next to the cliff. From their vantage point, the water below was in full view and few other tables were visible. An excellent use of elevation, rocks, and foliage provided privacy and a maximum view of the artificially created paradise. It was truly a remarkable artistic achievement. “This is absolutely gorgeous,” proclaimed Kasey.
“If the food is as good as the atmosphere, we are in paradise.”
Immediately after the waiter brought their drinks, Connie noticed two women dressed in brightly colored bathing suits, making their way along the rocks overlooking the water.
Kasey turned to see what she was watching. “What are they doing?”
“You’ll see.”
One woman stopped on a flat rock just above the water while the other continued climbing the cliff to a ledge directly across from their table. Although Connie knew what was happening, she too was witnessing it for the first time. She looked down at the distance separating the ledge from the water. It was frightening.
“She’s not going to dive from there, is she?” Kasey asked with guarded excitement.
“Just watch.”
The dark, beautifully muscled woman readied herself. Then suddenly, with arms spread wide, she pushed fearlessly into the air. Silently, in complete awe, they watched the lovely form effortlessly complete a perfect dive into the water below. “Wow!” exclaimed Kasey.
“That was unbelievable.”
“It was breathtaking,” Kasey said, her eyes still riveted on the ripples of blue so far below.
The diver emerged from the surface to a resounding applause echoing from every part of the building. She held something up in her hand, pulled herself from the water, and handed it to the woman on the rock.
“She got something from the bottom. Did you see that? What do you think it is?” She looked over at the smile on Connie’s face. “You already know.” Her eyes darted back to the woman now making her way around the edge of the water.
Joy radiated from Connie’s face. To see the pleasure that tonight brought her lover made her gift all she had hoped it would be. She watched with delight while Kasey watched the woman with the long dark hair continue up the path. She carried a lei of bright fuchsia flowers and offered a bright white smile as she approached and placed the lei around Kasey’s neck. “Happy Birthday,” she said with a kiss to her cheek. The look on Kasey’s face was priceless. Her eyes filled with childlike wonder and surprise, and her cheeks flushed as she watched in silence. Then the woman presented still another gift. With swift mastery, she opened the large clam she had carried from the diver and stole the treasure from within.
With a discerning smile, Kasey met Connie�
��s twinkling eyes. “A pearl.”
“A nice large one,” the woman remarked.
“It’s beautiful,” she said, examining her treasure. “Thank you.”
First in her native tongue, then in English, the woman said, “It is hoped that this day brings you warm winds and a calm sea, and love to fill your heart.”
“Thank you,” Kasey smiled, finding Connie’s eyes. “It has.”
They turned and waved their thank you to the diver watching from the rocks below and received a pretty smile in return.
Kasey turned back to Connie’s happy eyes and whispered, “I wish I could kiss you right now. What a beautiful birthday this is.”
Connie reached across the table and took Kasey’s hand. “I love you, Kasey, with all my heart.”
It was a shame that as much as she wanted to enjoy this moment, in all its wonder and romanticism, Kasey was unable to prevent their surroundings from creeping into her peripheral vision. Years of perpetual paranoia had set their tabs, and despite efforts to ignore them this time, she could not. The man in her peripheral had been watching their every move intently. Discreetly, she slipped her hand from Connie’s and replaced it with the pearl.
Throughout dinner, the man continued his vigil. His wife even moved her chair to see what was so interesting to her husband. Connie continued unaware, which Kasey found unusually ref reshing. She felt almost righteous in denying him his effect. She decided to enjoy the feeling for as long as it lasted, probably until Connie noticed him.
Only minutes later, as they waited for dessert and spoke of exotic plants, Connie did notice. “How long have they been watching us?”
“Off and on,” replied Kasey, playing down its significance.
“Does it bother you?”
“No. I guess it’s kind of a compliment to be more interesting than all this.” She let her eyes sweep around them, but purposely avoided his stare.
Once again, Connie reached over and took Kasey’s hand.
“Let’s do anniversaries here,” she said. “That way, if we’re ever confused as to how many years we’ve been together, we can count pearls.”
Kasey picked a flower from her lei and slid it into the shiny dark hair over Connie’s ear. Delicate rose-purple petals intensified the brilliant deep blue of the eyes twinkling their message of love. “You never cease to amaze me, Connie Bradford,” she smiled. “I am so in love with you.”
As they left the restaurant and passed the table of the couple who had so curiously watched them all evening, the man made his judgment known. “What a horrible waste.”
Kasey avoided his eyes, while Connie offered the couple her most professional smile. “Good night,” she said graciously.
Waste? Kasey thought. Waste is the time it would take to try to change such malevolent thinking. She conceded, however, that it was important that such ignorance not be allowed to foster anger, a thought with which Connie Bradford evidently agreed.
Twenty-six
Connie brought the car to a stop on the nearly deserted street in front of Sharon’s house. Kasey tried again. “Honey, it’s been such a beautiful evening. We don’t have to stop. I’ll call her when we get home and tell her we were too tired.”
“Yes, it has been a wonderful evening, and there’s no reason to think this is going to spoil it. Besides, how would that make you feel if you were Sharon?”
“Then promise me we won’t stay long, okay?”
“Agreed. But before we go in, I want to give you your present.” She reached for a small box behind the seat.
“Connie, tonight’s been enough of a present ...”
“Open.”
Kasey stared for a moment into Connie’s loving eyes, then leaned over and kissed her.
“You haven’t even seen it yet,” she smiled.
“I don’t have to, to know how I feel.” Kasey’s voice was low and soft. “Are you sure you don’t want to go home?”
With a gentle laugh, Connie replied, “Open it.”
The box contained a wide, gold herringbone necklace matching the bracelet Kasey always wore. “Oh, Connie, I know how much these are. I’ve never been able to afford one. Why did you spend so much?” she asked, admiring her gift.
“I got a special deal. Besides, you’re worth it.”
“A special payment plan, I’m sure.”
“Here, put it on. I want to see how it looks,” she said, leaning over to fasten the clasp. “There. Perfect.”
“Didn’t we do this once before?”
“We sure did, but this time I don’t think you’re going to run from me,” she said, pressing her lips to Kasey’s. The kiss quickly began to express hours of suppressed emotion. Then just as quickly, Connie pulled away. “Nope, nope, we’ve got to stop this. We are going to see Sharon.”
With a smile, Kasey opened the door. “Don your armor. Here we go.”
“Whose car is that?” asked Connie.
“Sue’s, Sharon’s ex. She said Sue and her girlfriend might stop over, too.” She rang the doorbell. “They’re probably downstairs where it’s cool.”
After what seemed like an unusually long time, Sharon finally answered the door. “Hi! Well, I was beginning to wonder if you’d make it. Did you have a good time?” Sharon babbled. “You look great.”
“Yes, we had a wonderful time. You should see this restaurant ...” Kasey began, walking through the living room.
“Okay, finish telling me downstairs. I’ve got to run to the bathroom first.”
Kasey took Connie’s hand and started down the lighted stairway. But partway down she said, “That’s weird. The basement light’s not on.”
“Where’s the switch?”
“At the bottom here.” Kasey reached for the switch.
Suddenly they were startled by a loud wolf whistle and a deafening “Happy Birthday” as light flooded the basement. They stood astounded, facing a crowd of laughing, cheering people. The look on Kasey’s face must have told the story.
“We got you! We got you!” Sue exclaimed. “You didn’t know, did you?”
Kasey shook her head in complete surprise, then turned to Connie. “You knew, didn’t you?”
Connie shook her head.
“She didn’t know,” confirmed Sharon from behind. “Come on, see who all is here. Make yourself comfortable. That is, if you can in those clothes.”
Connie tried not to be overwhelmed as Kasey guided her through the crowd with greetings and introductions. She was grateful when they finally reached the other side of the room and found Tom. She was much more at ease as they shared the restaurant experience with him.
Another couple soon joined their little group. Kasey introduced the women as friends she had known for most of their eleven years together. Evonne, round and matronly, with mostly graying curls and a smile that would melt ice, looked to be in her fifties. Donna, robust and ruddy, looking very much like a grown-up Huck Finn, was probably in her early forties.
Their natural warmth and comfortable conversation offered Connie an acceptance she sensed almost immediately. She listened with an appreciative smile, realizing immediately how much Kasey admired and respected these two women and how much she already liked them.
“Do you like horses, Connie?” Evonne asked.
“Yes, but I haven’t been around them much since high school.”
“We have two beautiful horses that need to be ridden more often. You’ll have to get Kasey to bring you out riding some day soon.” Evonne redirected her attention. “Kasey, you haven’t been out to ride for some time.”
“I know. I’ve had so much going on lately. We will, though, maybe next weekend—”
“Will you look at that?” Donna said, suddenly grabbing Evonne’s arm. She was directing her attention to the bottom of the stairs, where a tall, voluptuous blond stood next to Michael. The sequined gown twinkled reflected colors as she moved toward the only light, over the platform.
“Now I remember,” smiled Kasey.
“No,” exclaimed Kasey. “That’s Randy.”
The women, fascinated by the revelation, stared at the figure standing at the microphone. Leaning close to Kasey, Connie whispered, “That’s the man Tom introduced us to?”
Kasey nodded and smiled.
“That’s amazing,” remarked Connie. “How does he do that?”
“Lots of little tricks,” returned Kasey, rolling her eyes at the unintentional pun.
Randy’s soft, sultry voice sounded over the microphone. “Kasey, come up here, dear. This is for you.”
She made her way across the room, Connie in hand, just as Tom emerged from the stairway with a large cake. He motioned for Kasey to change places with him.
Thirty-six lighted candles flickered a taunting glow. “You put every one of them on here, too, didn’t you? Thanks so much, Tom.”
“But you’re such a beautiful old lady,” he laughed.
As Kasey stood conspicuously behind the lighted confection, Randy, in his breathless falsetto, offered his version of the famous Marilyn birthday song.
Meanwhile, Connie was still finding it difficult to visualize a man before her. It didn’t seem possible. The movements were ultrafeminine. The voice was even believable. She took Tom’s arm. “Does he do this professionally?”
“He’s a female impersonator,” he said with a big smile. “I’m afraid Sharon has enrolled you in a crash course in gay socialization.”
“You might want to find a seat for this,” announced Randy, as the applause faded. “Kasey, we didn’t want you to feel out of place all dressed up. So as you’re going to see, I’m not the only one in drag. Tonight, for your entertainment delight we present—” his outstretched hand directed their attention to the stairway, where three women dressed in evening gowns made their way unsteadily toward the platform “—The Sappho Sisters.”
“How do hets walk in these damn things,” the last one was saying.
Marianne K. Martin - Love in the Balance Page 13