Serious Potential

by Maggie Cummings

  “Nice.”

  “You can totally stay with us for the weekend, you know,” Tracy said, looking right at Meg. “Betsy said Mia and Becca will probably crash with us Saturday anyway.” Reading Meg’s flat expression she added, “I just meant it’s not like you’d be in the way. It’ll be a full house anyway.”

  Meg smiled. “Thanks, but I’m good where I am,” she said in reference to the hotel reservation she’d made months ago when she’d expected to be attending the wedding with Sasha. At the time she’d figured on a romantic weekend, so she had purposely opted not to stay with Betsy. “You guys should have some time to yourselves. It’s cool.”

  “We won’t, though. Not on the weekend, that’s my point.”

  “Nah. I’m fine,” Meg said, dismissing Tracy’s invite with a wave of her hand.

  “You sure?” Tracy asked, picking up a few pairs of athletic socks balled on top of the laundry and tossing them underhand into her suitcase across the room.

  “Yep,” Meg said, not at all dismayed at the thought of having her own hotel room for the weekend in P-town.

  Tracy grabbed the last pair of socks with one hand and put the basket on the floor in the corner. With a little flair, she took one step and turned around, launching the socks with a fadeaway jumper. She gave a quiet cheer for herself as her shot landed perfectly in the center of the open suitcase.

  Meg laughed at her and shook her head a little. “Nice shot, dude.”

  Tracy answered with a smile as she grabbed her golf clubs and placed them next to her suitcase.

  “Hey, did you hear anything about that job at the college?” Meg asked.

  “Not officially.”

  “You got it, though?”

  “I think so. I haven’t seen anything in writing yet, but they basically offered it to me at the interview.”

  “That’s awesome. No wonder you’re so happy.”

  Tracy nodded. “I have a lot of good things happening right now,” she said, kneeling down next to her suitcase and zipping it closed. “Honestly, though, the thing I am most psyched about is going away with Betsy.” She leaned back on her heels. “Meg, do you realize I have not been on vacation with a girlfriend in years.” She laced her fingers behind her head. “I mean the whole time I was with Jezebel, everything was a secret. It was all that cloak-and-dagger bullshit.” Tracy shook off the memory and replaced it with a real smile. “It’s ridiculous how pumped I am just to be able to go out to dinner with my girlfriend. To hold her hand if I feel like it.” She rubbed the tops of her knees and shook her head at herself. “I’m like a fucking teenager. I so can’t wait.”

  “I’m happy for you, Trace.”

  “I’m telling you, Meg, there is something to be said for this wacky idea of dating someone who’s willing to be seen with you in public.” Her voice was full of levity as she pretended to marvel at the theory. She smiled over her shoulder as she lined up her stuff by the door. “You should give it a try. I highly recommend it.”

  Meg smiled back at her. “Loud and clear, my friend,” she said with playful spunk in her tone. “I’m one step ahead of you.”

  “Oh, yeah? Are we talking about Reina?”

  “Mm-hmm.” Meg reached for her phone. “We’ve been texting back and forth for the last week or so. Unfortunately with my parents in town and with Shannon and Matt’s new baby, I haven’t had, like, two seconds of free time.” She didn’t even try to hide her smile. “But next week, I’m taking the plunge. After I get back from the wedding, I’m going to actually call her. And ask her to go out with me. In public and everything.”

  Tracy clapped. “All right, Meg. That’s my girl.”

  “I’m nervous, though,” Meg admitted through her smile. “I mean, what if she’s not into me like that? What if this is just friendship and I’m misreading the signs?”

  Tracy looked at Meg. “Are you kidding me?” Tracy asked rhetorically. “That girl is into you. I saw that the second I got here.” She leaned on the door frame and crossed her arms. “And, Meg, deep down you know it. So stop doubting yourself. You’re a fucking catch.”

  Meg smiled as she slid off the bed. “Thanks, buddy,” she said, turning Tracy around by the shoulders. “Come on, let’s grab a pizza.” Tracy was about to protest, but Meg stopped her. “You’re on vacation, that means you can have carbs.”

  “It does?”

  “It sure does.”

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  “Is that the last bag?” Betsy asked over her shoulder as she hung their formal clothes neatly in the closet to keep them from wrinkling before Lexi and Jesse’s big day on Saturday.

  “Mm-hmm,” Tracy said, dropping it in the corner of Betsy’s master bedroom as she came up behind her girlfriend and kissed her neck, wasting no time before one hand was under her shirt, the other inside her jeans as she inched them toward the bed.

  “Easy, tiger, we have all week.”

  “Exactly.” Tracy’s voice was playful and sexy at the same time. “Let’s start this vacation off properly.”

  Betsy felt her body relax into Tracy’s and let out a slight laugh even as she did so, unable to disagree with her girlfriend’s logic. She absolutely adored Tracy, she loved being with her, loved their connection. These days, when she stopped to think about it, it seemed crazy that for so long she had resisted something that was so natural, so perfect. No doubt about it, what she and Tracy had was beyond anything she had ever experienced before, their affection and respect for one another so deep and honest. Which was exactly why Betsy hadn’t been overly concerned a few weeks back when she’d learned Jezebel Stone was the surprise performer at Bay West’s music festival. Sure, she’d felt a singular, momentary shiver cut down her spine when she’d heard the news while she was stuck at the hospital delivering Meg’s nephew. But it had passed just as quickly. The second she’d walked into Meg’s house that very evening, Tracy had told her everything about Jezebel’s concert and the details of their conversation, in an instant confirming for her what she already knew—Tracy Allen was one hundred percent completely in love with her.

  *

  They woke up to a series of dings coming from one of their phones.

  “Yours or mine?” Tracy whispered into Betsy’s hair, still curled around her body.

  “Yours,” Betsy responded. “I can’t believe we fell asleep. What time is it?”

  Tracy reached to the floor and grabbed her jeans, pulling her phone out of the back pocket. “Five thirty.” She leaned back against the pillow and read through her messages. Betsy placed her head on the spot between Tracy’s chest and shoulder.

  “What is it, baby?” Betsy asked, noticing Tracy’s serious expression.

  “My contract came through,” Tracy said with a smile.

  “Oh my God, that’s awesome.” Betsy reached up and kissed her cheek. “I want to see it. What is your title, exactly?”

  “Assistant Athletic Director.” Tracy’s grin widened.

  “Fancy.”

  “It’s not too shabby.”

  Betsy met her eyes. “I still feel bad about the ESPN job, though.”

  “Don’t.” Tracy kissed her forehead. “This is going to be fun. I’m going to get to work directly with all the women’s teams at the college. And you know what beats talking about sports?” She didn’t wait for Betsy to answer. “Playing them.”

  “If you say so.” Betsy ran her hand along Tracy’s abdomen and kissed her lips. “When is Meg coming in?” Betsy changed the subject over her yawn.

  “Tomorrow,” Tracy answered quickly. “But she’s adamant about staying in her hotel.” She shook her head a little, still confused over her friend’s decision not to stay with them.

  “I get that,” Betsy said.

  “Get what?” Tracy was genuinely puzzled.

  “Come on, we’re there constantly. She’s probably looking forward to some alone time.” Betsy absentmindedly pushed the hair off Tracy’s forehead as she continued. “God, it’s probably going
to be a little hard for her this weekend, though. She’d been so excited to come here with Sasha. She was telling me all about her plans in the spring, before they broke up.”

  “She’ll be okay,” Tracy responded confidently.

  “I know. I just still can’t believe they weren’t able to work it out.”

  “Really?”

  “I know what you’re thinking,” Betsy said, brushing her fingertips along Tracy’s smooth skin. “Sasha screwed up. I don’t disagree with you. It still makes me sad, though. They were both so obviously into each other. That was clear even in the few times I saw them together. And God, Sasha, with her mother and everything. I can’t help feeling bad for her. Meg too,” she added with a shrug. “I just wish they could have found a way to make it work.”

  Tracy tipped Betsy’s chin up and kissed her lightly. “Meg seems to be bouncing back.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Mm-hmm. She’s been talking to Reina a lot lately. Looks like that may pan out after all.”

  “Still though, she was in love with Sasha. Big time. I can’t imagine she’s got her out of her system so quickly.”

  Tracy shrugged off the comment. “She’s fine. Trust me.” Tracy kissed Betsy again and pulled her in close so their bodies touched everywhere. “Speaking of Meg’s exes, are the other two still planning on staying with us this weekend? Mia and Becca, I mean.”

  Betsy nodded. “They’re not coming until Saturday morning though.” Betsy kissed her. “And they’re leaving early Sunday. Becca has a big work thing on Monday.”

  Tracy brushed her fingertips down the center of Betsy’s back. “So much alone time. Whatever will we do?”

  “Lots more of this,” Betsy responded, dropping another kiss on her lips. “But for now, let’s shower and get dressed. I want to take you to dinner to celebrate your new job.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  *

  At two thirty Friday afternoon, Meg strolled into P-town’s legendary Tabitha’s Tavern, looking to stretch her legs after her drive and relax into the wedding weekend with a refreshing beverage. At the bar she ordered her grandmother’s favorite—an old-fashioned—and moseyed to the outside deck to kick up her feet on the shaded wooden benches and stare into the harbor. As she was scoping out just the right spot to park herself, she noticed Reina at a table by the railing, flipping though a magazine. Reina saw her at the same time, and met her eyes with a warm, inviting smile.

  “Hey,” Meg said, approaching as she glanced around to see if there was someone with Reina who might have stepped away for a second.

  Reina read Meg’s action. “It’s just me.” She closed her magazine and gestured to the empty chair across from her. “Sit down. Keep me company.” She looked past Meg. “Unless…” She shot a look toward the bar and sounded a touch nervous as she continued, “I mean, are you here with someone?”

  “Nope,” Meg said, planting herself firmly in the chair. Meg took a sip of her drink, not really sure how to start the conversation. It had been almost two weeks since she had left Reina at the Pride Music Festival, and while they had texted a bunch, Reina never mentioned being invited to the wedding. Meg wondered if Reina’s presence in P-town was simply a coincidence or if somehow the brides-to-be had forgotten to tell her something so major. Meg was confused, but if it showed, Reina didn’t call her on it. Instead she steered the conversation in a completely different direction.

  “How’s your sister doing?” Reina asked as she touched Meg’s forearm.

  “She’s good. Great, actually.” Meg put her drink down and reached for her phone, pulling up a picture of her new nephew. “This is Declan.” She swiped to the right, pausing briefly on a few more photos of the newborn. “And that’s him with my niece, Deirdre,” she said, every bit the proud aunt.

  Reina leaned in close to examine the picture, and her silky black hair tickled Meg’s arm. “Oh my God, Meg. They’re so cute,” she added, placing her hand on top of Meg’s to tilt the phone for a better angle.

  “Thanks.”

  They were quiet for a second and Reina looked into the harbor, taking a sip of her drink before letting her eyes rest on Meg. “How nice is it here, by the way?”

  “It’s beautiful,” Meg responded checking out the boats along the water’s edge. She took a sip of her own drink, hoping the right words would come to her. She had no such luck. “I, um, what are you…I mean, are you here for the wedding?”

  “I am.” Reina smiled, and her perfect white teeth gleamed in the sun.

  “Awesome.” Meg nodded. “I had no idea…I mean…I didn’t know you were that close with Jesse.” She shook her head. “I mean, I didn’t know you were coming. You, uh, never mentioned it when we were texting.” She picked up her drink, swallowed a long sip, and took a deep breath. She looked right at Reina. “I’m going to start that whole thing over,” she said with a grin. Looking right into Reina’s eyes she said, “Reina, I had no idea you were going to be here. But it’s really, really good to see you.”

  Reina smiled. “It’s good to see you too, Meg.” She held the eye contact for a good few seconds. “And you’re right. It is totally random that I’m here.”

  Meg answered with a furrow of her brow.

  “I’m here with Teddy. Just yesterday she called me to see if I would come with her.” At Meg’s confusion, Reina explained further. “Rose’s dad has dementia. She helps take care of him with her brother. I guess he took a turn for the worse last week, and at the last minute she was worried about being so far away.” Reina pushed her long straight hair behind her shoulders. “Teddy messed up her knee a few years back, so she doesn’t like doing the long drives.” She shrugged. “She asked me if I would drive her and keep her company at the wedding.”

  “Nice.”

  Reina paused, taking a sip of her cosmo. “I figured, free trip to P-town. Lesbian wedding.” She bit her lip and smiled. “Not saying no to that.”

  “Where’s Teddy now?” Meg asked, looking around them again.

  “Resting.” Reina rolled her eyes. “Old people.” She chuckled.

  Meg laughed with her. “Where are you staying?”

  Reina nodded to the left, indicating the East End of town. “The Old Towne Guest House. What about you?”

  “I’m up at the Anchor Inn.”

  “Sweet.” Reina nodded. “I took a walk up that way before.”

  Over their drinks, they fell into an easy rhythm talking about their families, their jobs, their lives. The energy Meg had picked up on a few weeks back was definitely still present between them, and suddenly, Meg wasn’t eager to let Reina slip away again. Finishing up her second whiskey cocktail, she found her courage. Without any lead-in, she looked right at Reina. “Want to have dinner with me tonight?”

  “Yes,” Reina answered right away. But she blinked her eyes closed and added, “I have Teddy, though.”

  Meg shook the ice in her glass. “It’s fine. We’ll all go.”

  They made a plan to meet up at seven thirty and while Meg was showering up in her hotel room she heard from Betsy and Tracy, who were hoping for dinner plans. She invited them along immediately.

  The dinner crew was loud and boisterous and lively. Everyone was in a great mood as they ordered drinks and told stories in anticipation of tomorrow’s nuptials. It wasn’t quite the date Meg had hoped for with Reina, but it was nice in its own right. Reina sat next to her and they read off the same menu, their hands touching surreptitiously under the table. When the evening ended, they all made a firm plan to meet the next afternoon twenty minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of the shuttle bus Jesse and Lexi had graciously provided to make the half-hour journey to Jesse’s family’s estate where both the wedding and reception would take place.

  Leaving the restaurant, Meg was a little bummed out as she said good-bye to Reina and Teddy. All night she had hoped to sneak a minute alone with Reina, but with so many people around it didn’t happen. She leaned forward and kissed Reina on the che
ek, whispering, “See you tomorrow,” as she squeezed her hand before turning to hoof it back to her hotel.

  In her room, Meg brushed her teeth and washed her face, trying to convince herself the way things had played out with Reina was fine. They would have all day tomorrow—at a lesbian wedding, no less—and certainly she would find a moment somewhere. She looked at herself in the mirror, the warm water dripping off her face, and it hit her. She didn’t want to wait until tomorrow. She didn’t want to wait one more minute. Reaching for a hand towel, she dried her face hurriedly and threw her shoes back on. She grabbed her keys and her phone and bounded down the stairs, through the lobby, and onto Commercial Street, walking quickly in the direction of Reina’s hotel.

  Midway through town, Meg was trying to figure out exactly how she was going to pull this off. She didn’t know Reina’s room number and she assumed she was sharing with Teddy anyway, so Meg was going to have to text her when she got close. Now, if she could just come up with something cute but not cheesy, that would be perfect. Chewing the inside of her cheek as she thought hard about it, she heard her name from a few feet away. She looked up and saw Reina walking toward her.

  They stopped, facing each other on the dimly lit street.

  “Reina, what are you—”

  “I was coming to find you.”

  “That is so funny. I was on my way to see y—” She didn’t even get the word out before Reina stepped forward and cut her off with a kiss. Meg kissed her back, thoroughly and completely, putting one hand on Reina’s hip and the other on the back of her neck as she brought them closer. They stayed together, kissing in the shadow of the streetlight, until a series of wolf whistles clearly intended for them made them both laugh.

  Reina wrapped both arms around Meg’s neck. “I’m sorry, but I wasn’t waiting one more second for that.”

  “Me either, apparently,” Meg responded. She took Reina’s hand and they strolled slowly through the town talking quietly about the last two weeks, the last two months, the last two years of their separate journeys that finally brought them together here. Behind Reina’s charming inn, they sat cuddled together in a lounge chair on the private beach, kissing under the stars as the surf crashed against the shore.