Love's Encore Series (Books One and Two)

by Miranda MacLeod

  When her parents had gone back inside, Rorie turned to Cecily, twining their fingers together as she studied her face in the sunset glow. “Cici, I want to tell you something.”

  “Okay,” Cecily bit her lower lip expectantly.

  “For as long as I can remember, I've been afraid. I've been afraid of being abandoned, and being alone and unloved.” Rorie's hands shook and she clenched Cecily's fingers tighter. “But right now, that feeling is gone. I'm not afraid anymore.”

  “I'm glad.” Tears glistened in Cecily's eyes.

  “I know you're still deciding what you want to do next with your career. I just want you to know, if that job in New Mexico is where you think you should be, then I want you to do it. I really mean it this time.”

  “You're sure?” Cecily looked into her eyes, searching out the truth of her words.

  “Yes. I didn't want you to go before because I was so afraid that somehow I would lose you. I was terrified that you'd find something you wanted more than me. But I'm not afraid of that anymore.” Rorie tugged gently at Cecily's hands, pulling her close. “Today has changed me, and it never could have happened without you.”

  Chapter 24

  “Okay, you can come in, but close your eyes,” Cecily directed.

  Rorie obeyed, her curiosity piqued. Cecily had told her over the phone that she had a surprise, but refused to give her any hints. She shuffled across the tile entryway toward Cecily’s living room, her arms stretched out to avoid bumping into a wall. If she had to guess, a top-of-the-line recording booth was the item she most expected to see when she opened her eyes. They’d spent several evenings perusing catalogs since Cecily’s return from Portland, circling styles and brands to consider.

  The price tag on the ones Cecily liked would definitely require a cash infusion, but it would be an investment in her future as far as Rorie was concerned, and she had the money now. Radio commercials and audiobooks might not be as glamorous as being a television star, but it would provide steady work close to home. But if the surprise turned out to be a guide to New Mexico real estate, that was okay, too. Rorie had meant what she said before. Whatever Cecily needed to do next, Rorie would support her until her dying breath.

  “All right. You can open your eyes now!”

  Rorie blinked her eyes open and stared in mild confusion at a poster board propped up on an easel. On the board was a collage of photos, drawings, and note cards. “Okay…” She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to make of this.

  “It’s my new business! The easel might’ve been going a little overboard, but the professor at UCLA who helped me with it had a grad student with some work study hours to fill, so they put together a whole presentation for me.” Cecily’s eyes twinkled with pride.

  Rorie studied the board, hating to burst Cecily’s bubble. “This is…I’m sorry, I still don’t know what it is.”

  “My new company, Sapphicsticated.”

  “Sapphicsti—?”

  Cecily’s face scrunched. “Too hard to say? There’s still time to change it. It’s a work in progress.”

  Rorie shook her head. “No, it’s not that. It’s just, what exactly is this new business? It's not a recording studio, is it?”

  “Oh! I didn’t say, did I? It’s a production company for television and film projects that portray lesbians in a positive light.”

  Rorie looked at her in surprise. “You’re starting a production company?”

  “Isn’t it great? Tyler helped talk me into it. Look,” she pointed to the board, “I have a logo already, and a mission statement right here.” She shuffled through additional boards.

  “What’s this?” Rorie pointed to a picture of a warehouse building.

  “One of the sites I’m considering for the studio,” Cecily explained matter-of-factly. “It needs to be big enough for a sound stage, plus house the offices for all the creative teams.”

  “You’re renting studio space?” And hiring staff? Rorie could almost hear the ca-ching as the costs added up. “Once you decide to crack the piggy bank, you don't fool around, do you? Are you sure you’re not getting in over your head?”

  A flicker of disappointment crossed Cecily’s face. “You don’t think I can manage a production company?”

  “No, that’s not what I meant,” Rorie corrected hastily. “It’s just a big undertaking, and a little out of the blue. I thought you were considering a little voice acting business, not something like this.”

  “Well, that’s just it. I was dreaming so small. So I adjusted my thinking, and this was the result.”

  A prickling doubt lingered, but Rorie didn’t want to appear unsupportive. “You’ve looked into the…uh, economics of this plan?”

  “Of course.” Cecily gave her an indulgent smile. “Tyler’s professor put me in touch with some experts on the business side of things, and we drew up a plan. I showed it to my financial adviser and he thought it was quite sound.”

  Rorie smiled, relieved. “Okay, if your financial adviser approves, it’s probably good. But, what about the TV show in New Mexico? Aren't you afraid you'll miss your big break?”

  “No. You were right. Once in a lifetime opportunities come up with startling regularity. The trick is picking the right one. I think this one is it.”

  Rorie thought for a moment about Cecily'd proposed production company and felt her excitement build. “It's a brilliant idea, Cici. But, what about acting?” Running a company would leave little time for starring roles, too.

  Cecily shrugged. “I think I'm done. I'll admit, that little taste of celebrity I got on Portland Blue was quite a rush. But fame has a dark side, too. It was fun to sign autographs, but I don't want my picture taken at every meal I eat.”

  “Were you eating many meals?” Rorie gave her a dubious look as she ran her finger along Cecily's protruding collar bone.

  Cecily laughed. “That's another thing. As the head of a production company, no one cares if I gain a pound or two. The constant Hollywood diet is definitely not for me. And you know, as the boss, I can cast myself in a role whenever I choose. But frankly, I think could happily give up acting for good, just to be able to eat salad dressing again.”

  “Cici, wake up.” Rorie reached over in the dim light of dawn and gave Cecily a nudge. “Wake up. I think I hear your phone ringing.”

  Cecily rolled over, bleary-eyed, and gave a tired yawn. “Too early.”

  They’d stayed up late the night before, packing the last of Cecily’s belongings into cardboard boxes. With price no longer a worry, Cecily had sprung for movers to carry her things, but she’d insisted on organizing all the bins herself, to Rorie’s frequent consternation. It had taken until after midnight, but everything was finally done. They’d enjoyed one last soak in the giant tub, and soon it would be time to say goodbye to the rental house and hello to their new life together in LA. But as anxious as she was for this to happen, Rorie would have been more than happy to wait a few hours longer, at least until the sun was fully up.

  While Cecily groaned and pretended to consider getting up, the ringing stopped. Cecily nestled her naked body against Rorie’s under the sheets with a satisfied sigh. A pleasant warmth spread through Rorie’s loins at the contact, but just as she decided to do something about it, the ringing started again. With a resigned moan, Cecily rolled out of bed and trudged down the hall. Rorie’s stomach fluttered nervously as she waited for Cecily’s return. Is Tyler okay? Belatedly, she remembered that Tyler had left for the east coast already, but even so she worried. She chuckled over her seeming inability to shake it off. I think I finally understand what it’s like to be a mom.

  While it was unlikely to be Tyler, it seemed much too early in the morning to be anything but an urgent call. Rorie twisted the sheets anxiously between her fingers, trying not to get too concerned, until she felt Cecily slip back beneath the sheets.

  “You gonna tell me what that was about?” She urged when Cecily didn’t immediately offer.

  “I’m stil
l in shock.”

  Rorie’s stomach lurched. “What happened?”

  “I was just nominated for an Emmy.”

  “What?” Rorie sat up in bed, her worry changing quickly to surprise and then delight. “You’re serious?”

  “Yes!” Cecily laughed. “Completely serious. Apparently Laura’s death scene made an impression. What a way to end my acting career, huh?”

  “I’m so proud of you.” Rorie pulled her closer, Cecily’s back spooned against her front, and kissed her shoulder. “We should do something to celebrate. How about breakfast at the diner while the movers load the truck.”

  “The diner won’t open for a few hours,” Cecily pointed out. “I guess we can stay in bed until then, but I think I’m too wound up to fall asleep.”

  Rorie slid her hand along Cecily’s side and along the curve of her breast, a thrill going through her at how enough weight had returned to make exploring these curves that much more fun. “I can think of a few ways to stay busy until then, can’t you?” She pinched Cecily’s nipple, then lowered her mouth to meet it with a grin.

  They made love until the room was bright with sunlight, then got dressed and went for one last walk to the local diner where they’d gone for their first official date a year ago. They sat in a booth by the window, sipping coffee and watching as people passed by, walking dogs or going for a morning run. They’d let the movers in before they left, and Rorie smiled contentedly at the thought that even as they nibbled on their eggs and toast, Cecily’s boxes were being loaded and they would soon be on their way.

  Rorie rose from the table and wandered to the jukebox, searching the list for a fitting song. She pressed the button. As the machine whirred into action, she couldn’t help but think how happy she was at this moment. The past year had presented numerous challenges and frustrations, but also many joys and triumphs. She and Cecily were making this important step in their life together. She’d mended her broken relationship with her father. She’d found her mother and brought her home, and watched her get stronger every day. She’d even learned, thanks to Tyler, a little bit of what it meant to be a mother. In this moment, Rorie thought her life was perfect. But even as the words formed in her mind, doubt crept in. Perfect rarely lasted long.

  She shook off the thought and returned to the table. One look at Cecily’s face made Rorie’s heart skip a beat, and sent a new round of shivers coursing through her.

  “Cecily, what is it? What happened?”

  Cecily held out Rorie’s cell phone, which she’d left lying on the table when she went to scope out the jukebox. “It rang after you got up, so I answered it.”

  Rorie’s brow furrowed in concern. “And?”

  “It’s the investigator you hired. He has some news. About your sister. He’s waiting on the line to talk to you.”

  A cold lump formed in Rorie’s stomach as she reached to take the phone from Cecily’s hand. She swallowed hard, wondering if this news would round out this perfect day, or be the other shoe, ready to drop. She took a deep breath. It was a fifty-fifty chance. It could go either way.

  TO BE CONTINUED

  in Fifty Percent Illusion, the final book of the Love’s Encore Trilogy

  Coming February 2017

  A Message from Miranda

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  Dear Reader,

  I hope you enjoyed Rorie and Cecily's journey through A Road Through Mountains and Your Name in Lights. I'm pleased to announce that the final book in the trilogy, Fifty Percent Illusion, will be published in February, 2017. They have a few more bumps along the road to their happily ever after, but I'm sure it'll be worth the ride in the end!

  To be the first to know when my new books become available, and save some money, too, please sign up for my mailing list. My books launch at a discounted price for the first 24 hours, and only my newsletter subscribers are notified the moment the books become available so you can take advantage of the sale. I only send out a handful of newsletters each year so you won't be bombarded.

  Finally, if you have suggestions or comments that you'd like to share with me directly, please send me an email at: miranda@mirandamacleod.com!

  Warmest wishes,

  Miranda

  Also By Miranda

  Romantic Comedies:

  Telling Lies Online

  When her dating app decides she's a man, what's a lonely lesbian to do? Miranda's debut book

  Love's Encore Series:

  When star-crossed lovers reunite, the road to love is anything but straight. A trilogy of love and reconciliation spanning more than two decades.

  A Road Through Mountains

  Unhappy housewife Cecily is reunited with Rorie, the only woman she's ever loved, while working back stage at a community theater in suburban Connecticut. Will they finally have a second chance to be together?

  Your Name in Lights

  Life in Southern California is nothing like Cecily thought it would be, but with Rorie's help, she's determined to stand on her own two feet.

  Fifty Percent Illusion*

  With their happy ending in sight, Rorie and Cecily receive news that will change their lives forever. The conclusion to the Love's Encore series, coming February 2017!

  Americans Abroad Series:

  A romantic comedy series where each book features an American woman traveling or living abroad and finding love in humorous and unexpected ways.

  Waltzing on the Danube

  They're the only two single ladies on the Lesbian Love Boat, and as opposite as night and day. A romantic comedy about opposites attracting in just the right way!

  Holme for the Holidays

  An American musician with a broken heart meets a local farmer with a hidden past on a holiday house swap in Yorkshire. A heartwarming holiday tale perfect for reading year round!

  Stockholm Syndrome*

  Ever wonder what would happen if a spy dialed a wrong number? A hilarious international spy caper!

  *Coming in 2017

  http://mirandamacleod.com/list/