by JM Dragon
Her phone buzzed, and she looked at the text message.
I’m staying at the club tonight.
Anna didn’t move her gaze from the words on the screen. What is this, the fourth time this week? Maybe if I say I’m staying out all night as often, he wouldn’t do it so blatantly. Yeah, right.
A discreet cough behind her had her swing her gaze to Adam the barista. She smiled and he grinned, his boyish expression reminding her he was old enough to be her son—well perhaps not quite. He must be around forty.
“Do you want to close early because of the weather? Sorry I’m keeping you.” Anna began to stand, and then she felt a slim, strong hand gently push her back.
“No, please. I was wondering if you’d like to have another coffee.” He hesitated, then shrugged. “With me. I’ve been trying out a couple of new recipes. I need a guinea pig and I know you love great coffee, Anna.”
Anna blinked rapidly. Adam was always nice, but he’d never actually engaged her in any significant conversation before.
“Just another coffee, unless you need to be somewhere. I know it’s getting late,” Adam persisted and then sat opposite her, his lanky frame dwarfing the chair.
Anna looked at the text message again, then pressed the phone off and slipped it into her purse. “I have nowhere to go. Thank you, I’d like to try another coffee…with you.”
He grinned back at her and stood. “Great, I’ll be back.”
He left to go behind the counter. She smiled, genuinely happy for the first time in a long time, and all because of a coffee. How sad is my life?
†
“So?”
Kris giggled. “You want me to go into town tomorrow and buy the next two movies. Claire, I might look foolish. Isn’t this movie more associated with kids?”
“You have led a sheltered life.” Claire winked. “No you wouldn’t. Nobody cares what we buy just so long as we do.”
Kris shook her head, stood, and indicated the empty plate. “Want more, or will a hot chocolate be enough?”
“Hot chocolate, oh, Kris, you are a marvel. No more food or I definitely won’t sleep.”
“Hmm, good call. Shall we watch something else for an hour? Maybe that Pride and Prejudice series? We can start it, and if we don’t like it, at least we haven’t invested hours watching it. I hate that, don’t you? It’s like a really bad book you keep reading in the hope it gets better but never does.” Kris chuckled as she headed out the door.
Claire watched the door close and grinned. The movie had been as rewarding as when she had first seen it, and with Kris in the room with her, it had felt even better. The camaraderie they were developing amazed her with how it had taken over without permission or resistance.
She shuffled off the sofa, and by the time Kris returned with steaming mugs of hot chocolate, she had found the DVDs. Kris handed her the drink.
“Why don’t you join me? I might need pinching to stay awake. I never was really good with period dramas.”
Kris furrowed her brows, then smiled. “Sure.” She sat next to Claire, picked up the remote, and pressed Play before retrieving her own drink and sitting back as the program began.
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
Claire laughed and whispered, “A single woman too, my friend.”
†
Kris drew back the coverlet and smiled as she clambered into bed. Then she glanced at her Kindle on the bedside table and decided against a reading session. Besides, she had a lot to think about, and that would put her to sleep eventually. She hoped with good dreams.
Her thoughts drifted to the brief kiss she’d shared with Claire and their dual embarrassment afterward. They had both stood apart and apologized. Claire looked more shocked than she had been, if her startled expression was anything to judge by. The afternoon had been edgy, and neither had spoken much. Fortunately, they could be in different areas to work. Dinner hadn’t faired any better, but later….
Her lips twisted into a smile as she remembered the closeness of the last hour sitting on the sofa together. Nothing had happened physically, but deep down she knew something dramatic had changed, and it was for the good.
She leaned across the nightstand and switched off the table lamp, sending the room into semidarkness, the full moon bringing a hazy light. She settled back in bed and sighed. If only we had more time. In another week, I’ll be back at my apartment and Claire will be in her luxury home. I doubt we will see each other again. No matter what we say about being friends, money moves in different circles and I don’t possess any.
Kris closed her eyes and allowing herself the fantasy that had Claire in her life forever.
†
Melissa studied her bridge hand, then after prompting by her partner across the table, she laid down the required cards. Her partner grinned and then proceeded to win the hand and the game.
“Excellent play, Melissa. You and I will have to play together again. Are you at the club this weekend?”
Melissa acknowledged the praise with a slight smile. “Perhaps, Angela. However, not this weekend. I’m going to my house at the beach. My granddaughter is expecting me.”
“The one who had the accident? How is she doing? I know it was terrible and she’s lucky to be alive.” Angela stood, as did the others around the table, except for Melissa.
Most wished them a good night and left. Angela remained, resting her arms on the high-backed chair.
“Yes, it was. She’s doing reasonably well under the circumstances. I’m trying to engage her in society again. She’s helping to renovate the cottage there.”
“Really? On her own? I thought she was disabled.”
Melissa smarted at the other woman’s tone. “Yes, really, and no, not on her own. The work needed requires two able people. There is a rather lovely young woman who is helping too.”
“Sorry, didn’t mean anything by it. Well, Dan volunteered to buy me champagne if I won tonight. Want to join us?” Angela pushed away from the chair and glanced in the direction of her husband, Dan Rowlands.
“No, thank you. I need to go home early tonight, things to do.” Melissa stood and picked up her pocketbook.
“Another time, then. See you next week?”
“Yes, bye, Angela.”
Angela disappeared into the throng near the bar. Her peroxide-blonde hair was never out of place, and her immaculate taste in wardrobe was always flattering. She was a nice woman but loved being the center of attention. Right now, a mass of people enveloped her as Dan shouted, “Champagne for my wife.”
Melissa turned and headed for the cloakroom to collect her fawn cashmere three-quarter coat. She headed out of the building into the coolness of the night air. A taxi stopped outside, and she climbed in and told the driver her destination. He sped off before she had time to clip in her seat belt.
Fifteen minutes later, she was outside her apartment building, and the doorman greeted her with a wide smile.
“Lovely evening, Mrs. Jackson.” He tipped his hat and opened the door for her.
“Certainly is, James.” She entered the building and headed for the elevator, her footfalls silent as she crossed the hall on the deep pile woolen carpet.
“Good night, Mrs. Jackson.”
“Night, James.”
Moments later, she was heading to the penthouse floor and home. The door swished open, leading straight into her hallway.
The light flashing on the phone on the table had her look at the caller ID. Anna. Hmm, what does she want, I wonder? Not more money, I hope. She pressed Return Call and waited for an answer.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Claire tapped Kris on the shoulder and chuckled when she spun around in mild shock.
“Wow, you scared me. I didn’t even know you were here.”
“Yeah, I guess I could be considered scary.” Claire traced a finger over her scarred cheek.
“No, I di
dn’t mean….” Kris looked aghast, and Claire took pity on her.
“I know you didn’t, I was teasing you. So, did you get the DVDs?” Claire glanced at the shopping bag on the kitchen table and then tried to sidle around Kris to get a better look.
Kris placed a hand on her good arm and gently smiled. “Don’t go peeking. There might be something there I don’t want you to see.”
Claire’s heart somersaulted at the touch. She twisted slightly, took Kris’s hand, and held it gently. Half expecting it to be withdrawn, she was pleased it wasn’t. “A surprise? Perhaps for me?”
“You are silly. It could be, but then again, it could be for someone else.”
Claire gave her an exaggerated pout.
“I’m not going to tell you…yet. How has the final painting of the window frames gone? Those at the back were the last on the lower floor.” Kris chuckled. “Although, I can tell you were having a good time doing it.”
“Yeah, and what makes you say that?” Claire furrowed her forehead and stared at Kris.
Kris lifted up a hand and traced a finger over the spots on Claire’s face. “I suspect more of the paint is on you than the frames. A bit like yesterday, but I didn’t want to say.”
Claire laughed and at the same time wanted that moment to last forever. The gentleness and warmth she felt in Kris’s touch amazed her. “Well, I guess I need more practice. I’ve never seen you with as much paint all over you. How do you do that?”
Kris’s finger seemed glued to a spot over her left eyebrow. “To be honest, I don’t know. I’m just not messy like you.”
Claire laughed and reached her good hand up to tweak Kris’s hair. As she did, they became very close, their faces almost touching. Closing her eyes, she bent her head and kissed Kris, and this time it wasn’t brief. It was a long exploration of full lips.
When they broke for air, neither moved and they stared at each other.
“I’m not going to say I’m sorry this time,” Claire brokenly admitted.
“Neither am I.” Kris’s voice was barely a whisper.
Claire’s palm rested on Kris’s right cheek, and she gently caressed the smooth skin. Then moved in and kissed her again. This time it was longer still and mouths opened to explore further. Kris’s hands moved to the small of her back and began to trace the bottom of her spine. It sent electric impulses all over her body.
Breaking apart finally, they smiled at each other. Claire knew she must look goofy, but that’s all she could do.
“I guess we need to do some more work, huh?”
Kris nodded.
Claire smiled. I wonder what she’s thinking. “Pity lunch is over or we could have gone to the beach.”
“Claire.”
Claire sucked in a silent breath. That didn’t sound good. She gazed at Kris, waiting for the shoe to drop.
“Tonight, can we talk after dinner?”
“Yeah, of course we need to talk. I was worried,” she blurted out, unsure where this uncertainty was coming from.
“Worried why?” Kris closed the small gap between them and enclosed her in a hug.
“Oh, I thought you might have changed your mind. It’s a woman’s prerogative. Shall we go out to dinner tonight?”
“Won’t Shirley have dinner organized? I don’t want to upset her. She’s always been so nice.” Kris frowned.
“She’s the help, we pay her; it won’t matter to her one way or the other.” Claire wished she’d kept her mouth shut when she saw the silent horror on Kris’s face. “I didn’t mean it like she’s not important, but….” She wiped a hand across her face. “Oh, I’m making a mess of this. What do you say we go out tomorrow and I’ll take you to that pretentious golf club? They say it has the best food in town.”
Claire sent up a silent prayer that Kris would be happier. For a few seconds she wasn’t sure.
“Thank you. But can we go somewhere other than the golf club, please?”
Claire leaned her forehead against Kris’s.
“Anywhere you want to go if it makes you happy.” Claire stole a quick kiss and then moved away. “Right. Work to do or the forewoman will get all antsy.” She chuckled as Kris shook her head.
“Absolutely, Rich Girl.” Kris winked, and Claire left the house in search of her painting gear. She was sure her feet had wings as she drifted to the back of Seasons to complete her task.
†
Kris puzzled over what to say to Shirley. Would she guess the dynamic between her and Claire had changed? She was pretty darn astute, yet at times, so cryptic with her explanations. Her hand rested on the door leading into Shirley’s domain. She could hear the housekeeper singing off key. It was a bit harsh on the eardrums, but at the same time, cute.
What is it? Oh yeah, “Wildest Dreams.” She chuckled. Who would have thought it from the older woman who appeared so prim and proper, even austere? Yet to her and Claire, she was lovely and supportive.
She opened the door and immediately Shirley stopped singing.
“Had a good day, dear?”
“Excellent, what about yourself?” Kris walked over to the counter separating her from the stove and preparation surfaces where Shirley was working.
“Have to say not too bad myself. I’ve made Claire’s favorite dessert tonight, lemon meringue pie. It took me a while; started it this morning. Do you know how to make it?”
Shirley had such pride in her voice that Kris was glad Claire hadn’t insisted they go out tonight.
“Do you have a favorite, Kris? One you love above all?”
Racking her brains for a true favorite, Kris shrugged. “I have to admit I have a sweet tooth, so I pretty much like everything.”
Shirley shook her head and wiped her hands on her apron. “Nonsense, there is always one above the rest, and that goes for everything in life.”
“I once went to a posh restaurant with my old boss for his fortieth anniversary, with his wife and the others in the company too, of course,” Kris quickly explained. “They brought out something with a French name that I’m not sure I can remember. I know it started with an M.” Shirley’s eyes sparkled as she grinned. Odd, I’ve never noticed that before.
“Tell me what it looked and tasted like.”
“Divine comes to mind.”
“Yes, I’m sure.” Shirley chuckled.
“Lots of puff pastry layers filled with cream. Oh just talking about it makes me crave another.”
“Oh, that’s a Napoleon, or its French name mille-feuille. Millie’s does a great one, but for you I will attempt to make that on your last night.” Shirley turned away.
Kris’s heart dropped like a stone at the reminder of her imminent departure. Engrossed in her miserable thoughts, she didn’t realize someone had entered the room until another voice joined the conversation.
“Hi, Shirley, smells great. In fact, I swear I can detect a subtle aroma of lemon.”
Shirley giggled like a teenager as Claire went around the counter and pulled her into a slight hug. “Made my favorite, right?”
“Oh, I never could keep it from you.”
Kris lifted her head slightly. A wave of satisfaction flowed through her that they had remained here for dinner tonight. It was made even more poignant as Claire winked at her and mouthed, “Thank you.”
“Hey, what’s for dinner really, other than lemon?”
Shirley shook her head as Claire released her. “Tonight we are having chicken schnitzel with green beans and roasted mixed capsicum. The lemon is for—”
“My fav lemon meringue pie. You’ll love it, Kris.”
Kris looked at the two women, and a feeling of peace and rightness settled over her. This is where I’m supposed to be, with the right people at the right time. No one can take this from me. No, from us. “Absolutely.”
“Oh, Shirley, Kris and I are going out tomorrow for dinner. We have a date.”
Kris was relieved, shocked, and amazed at the same time at Claire’s words.
“
About time. Though I’d have to admit that you beat me and Ricky by a week. Still, it was slow considering you have been together for three weeks at the cottage. Right, I need to finish dinner. Off with you. Claire, collect the glasses. Tonight in celebration, I’ll have as my drink of choice a Chardonnay. It’s a white wine.”
Claire’s mouth fell open at Shirley’s reply and she had to sit down.
“But-but you don’t drink.” Claire held up her hands in surprise.
Shirley didn’t turn around and continued to prepare the food. “Now who told you that, the tooth fairy?”
Kris laughed. “Well in that case you can replace my water with Chardonnay too. I hate to see a woman drink alone.”
Claire’s surprised expression made her laugh even more.
“I guess it’s wine all around.” Claire, shaking her head, left the room.
“You love her, don’t you?” Kris quietly said.
Shirley’s back stiffened but she didn’t turn around. “She was born on the very day my Ricky was killed—ten years later, of course. I sometimes wonder if he had lived, what the family we might have had would have looked like.”
Kris heard the tears in that statement. It was heart wrenching. “She loves you too.”
“In her own way, yes, I’m sure she does. But then, her own way is selfish. You need to understand that.”
Kris closed her eyes and balled her fists. “Do you think she can change?”
“Yes, always, for the right one.”
The words were out of her mouth before she could prevent it. “Am I the right one?” Her heart almost stopped in anticipation.
“That’s for you to decide.”
Claire reentered the room.
“Hey, were you two talking about me? It went all quiet when I came in.”
Kris smiled, walked the few yards that separated them, and whispered, “Yes, and it was all good.” She dropped a kiss on Claire’s cheek as they drew apart.