The Road To Glory

by Advocate

  "Don’t want to go to the diner. Came to finish fixing the roof."

  "No way, man. Just no way. I’m not going to let you up on the roof like this. You could kill yourself."

  RJ laughed so hard she started to cough. "You don’t get it, do you, boy? We’re dead. I already went splat. And from a lot higher than this roof. Trust me: I won’t die again. If I could find a way, I would."

  Tony went a little pale. "Stop talking like that." He pulled her up, wrapping his arm around her waist. "Let’s get you sobered up."

  "You know how?"

  The young man nodded grimly thinking of his own childhood.

  RJ slapped him on the back. "Good, lad."

  He maneuvered them to the door, pulling her toward the diner. Just as they made it to the back door they turned toward a crashing sound to see RJ’s pickup truck rolling down a slight incline, tearing out small trees and bushes as it went. In stunned silence their eyes tracked the truck as it rolled right into pond.

  RJ pulled away from Tony, swaying and laughing as the black truck slowly began sinking into the murky water. "Guess I forgot to set the brake," she slurred before her eyes rolled back in her head and she passed out, falling face first to the ground.

  * * *

  Leigh switched off her ignition and stared at the diner. She knew it was a bad idea coming back here. But she had no place else to go.

  She yanked the hanging bear from her mirror and exited the truck. The sunset cast its orange and red rays across the plains, painting them in rich color. Leigh pulled off her sunglasses and drew in a deep breath of the fragrant late-summer air. Then she waited, knowing she was bound to see her soon. She swallowed nervously when the woman appeared out the front door of the diner and lit a cigarette. Leigh closed her eyes and firmed her resolve. With a negligent hand she tossed the bear into the ditch alongside the parking lot. It was time to do something, and Leigh marched determinedly toward the front door.

  "Leigh?" She quirked an eyebrow. "I didn’t think I’d see you back here."

  Leigh ducked her head. "Hello, Judith," she said quietly.

  Judith took a step closer to her old lover, visibly cringing at Leigh’s appearance. "Jesus Christ. What have you done to yourself?" She laid a comforting hand on Leigh’s shoulder. "Have you given up sleep and food completely?" Her fingertips brushed across Leigh’s arm. "You’re all skin and bones."

  Leigh sighed and closed her eyes at the comforting touch. "I’m okay," she assured softly.

  "I can see that." But Judith’s sarcasm held no real malice.

  Leigh shook her head. "It’s been a long time."

  "Three months." Judith paused. "You’re not really okay, are you?"

  Leigh looked up with painfully honest eyes. "No," she admitted. "I guess I’m not."

  "C’mere, honey." Judith opened her arms to her friend, and Leigh gratefully stepped into them.

  CHAPTER XIV

  JUDITH CLIMBED INTO bed alongside Leigh, who was curled up wearing only an old t-shirt and her panties. She was facing away from her.

  The bedroom was dark and quiet and held a note of familiarity that Leigh found soothing. Maybe she’d find the restful sleep here that had eluded her for so many weeks.

  Judith kissed the back of Leigh’s neck tenderly. The blonde stiffened slightly in reaction, but didn’t move to stop her. "I like your hair like this." Leigh had cut it short the month prior. "It gives me easier access to your neck."

  "Uh … thanks. It was … it was bothering me before, I guess."

  "You can relax, Leigh," Judith whispered, spooning her body to Leigh’s. She drew her hand down the soft skin of Leigh’s thigh, her body easily remembering the many nights of unabashed pleasure they’d shared. She was hard pressed not to moan out loud. "I’ve missed you … missed this."

  Leigh didn’t know what to say. She closed her eyes when Judith’s touch drifted across her belly and pushed up her shirt. She hesitated for a split second, then shifted slightly so her shirt could be pulled over her head. Leigh gasped a little when Judith’s warm hands replaced the cotton and continued their lazy stroking.

  "I’m not going to hurt you."

  Leigh swallowed. "I know." But her muscles were so taut the waitress figured she could bounce a quarter off her ass with little effort. With a light groan, Leigh turned over onto her back, allowing the sheet to pool around her waist.

  Judith leaned forward and kissed Leigh lightly on the lips. The kiss was returned and she deepened it, the taste of Leigh’s mouth ringing familiar chords within her. But something felt different. She pulled back, nipping Leigh’s lower lip as she moved away. Leigh’s eyes met hers and in an instant a bone-deep understanding flashed between them.

  Judith sighed. Her luck was never going to change when it came to this particular trucker. She would never be hers and Judith knew it. For a moment she gave serious consideration to kicking Leigh out of her bed and life for good. But this time Judith didn’t want to be left with nothing. Beneath Tom Cat’s exterior was a woman she genuinely liked and wanted to get to know better. Tonight she wanted to get to know her breasts better. But she would live with just being friends. "Wanna tell me about it?"

  "What?"

  "Don’t screw with me, Leigh. I’m horny as hell and that’s just one step from homicidal. So I repeat, wanna tell me about it?"

  Leigh sighed. "No."

  "Liar."

  Despite herself, Leigh chuckled. "How’d you get so smart all of the a? sudden?"

  "All of the a sudden?" Judith laid her head on her shoulder.

  "Smartass."

  Judith took Leigh’s hands in hers. "So tell about who finally broke your heart."

  Leigh’s pale blue eyes widened. "Damn. Could you always read minds too?"

  "Of course. I’m a fabulous catch. You were always just too busy leaving me to notice."

  Judith felt Leigh draw in a deep breath as it moved her body right along with it.

  "Jesus, Judith. I’m so sorry," Leigh said honestly, her voice barely audible.

  "Me too. So talk." Judith’s arms tightened around Leigh as the blonde began her story with that first night she accidentally stumbled upon a diner in the mist.

  They talked until the moon hung low in the sky.

  "Wow" was all Judith could think to say. Leigh had long since rolled over on her side and the waitress hugged her tightly to her. "That’s the most horrible story I’ve ever heard." She sniffed back her own tears.

  Leigh nodded, the large lump in her throat making further speech impossible.

  "When are you going back to her?" Judith asked, her warm breath tickling the back of Leigh’s neck.

  Leigh rolled her eyes. She hadn’t made her final decision until that very moment. Judith knew her far too well. "Tomorrow."

  "I can’t believe I’m saying this, but good luck."

  Leigh took Judith’s hand in hers and squeezed it gently. "Thank you."

  The first rays of the morning sun and Leigh’s nearly incoherent mumble finally broke the dark, silent moments that had stretched out between them. "Judith?"

  Judith blinked dazedly. "Hmm?"

  "Sometimes love …" A long pause. "Som … sometimes love … it fucking sucks."

  Judith rolled her eyes, then gazed fondly at her already slumbering friend. She sighed. "Tell me about it, Leigh."

  * * *

  RJ stood back and appraised her truck. She sighed and shook her head when a large glop of mud fell off the mangled bumper. After she had sobered up, she, Liam, and Patrick had managed to tow it out of the pond. It was then RJ realized that things had to change.

  "It’s not that bad." Patrick tried to sound optimistic as he peered into the water-damaged interior. He opened the door and a surge of water poured over his shoes. A hapless fish flopped out and dropped dead on his toe. "Eww." He kicked it away.

  "Yeah. Yeah. It’s going to take a long time to fix her back up." RJ dropped down onto the grass and pulled her cigarettes from her pocket. "I�
�m not sure I even want to."

  "You have to. She was one of the sweetest trucks in Glory." Patrick joined his sister, taking one of her smokes for himself.

  "Was being the operative word," RJ said glumly.

  "What do you want, RJ?"

  "I want Leigh."

  "That’s not what I meant."

  RJ closed her eyes and leaned back, using her hand to brace her. "I know."

  Patrick lit his own cigarette and turned his head to blow out the smoke. "It’s bad to want something you can’t have."

  RJ exhaled calmly. "And Confucius say kiss my arse! Since when are my brothers philosophers and head shrinkers? I’ll go to Pete if I want a bunch of annoying advice."

  Patrick furrowed his brow. "Confucius?"

  RJ dropped onto her back, moaning. "Mary, sweet Mother of Jesus, please help me not to drown my brother in that lovely pond," she gestured over her shoulder.

  "Hey," Patrick protested, "you brought it up."

  RJ shook her head. "That I did." Her eyes took on a determined glint. "Besides, I’m not so sure I can’t have what I want." She crossed her legs at the ankles. "I’m going to ask to leave Glory."

  Patrick’s and Liam’s jaws both dropped. "You’re joking, right? You know Mother already tried–"

  She waved him off. "That was Mother." Her voice dropped to its lowest register. "Not me. I’m going to ask." She plucked her cigarette from her lips and held it between two fingers. "I’m not happy here anymore, Patrick." Her eyes went a little unfocused. "I’m not sure I ever really was. My time with Leigh made me understand what I’ve been. There’s no going back now. Not for me."

  "RJ –"

  "I know it sounds strange, but I really think that we were meant to be together. I’m going to find a way to make it happen."

  The two men exchanged knowing looks. "You’re going to get your heart broken all over again. What if you’re told no again?"

  "I won’t be told no. I love her and I’ll follow her to the ends of the earth if I must." Her voice was growing stronger and more confident with every word. "I’m going to get out of Glory. I’m going to find her, drop to my knees and beg her forgiveness, and, God willing, I’m going to spend the rest of my days with her."

  Patrick regarded his sister carefully for a moment. She’d always had an eye for the ladies. But this was obviously different. "It’s true love, is it." It wasn’t a question.

  "Absolutely." She nodded. "I’ve spent the last few months trying to forget and trying to convince myself otherwise, but it can’t be done. I’ve tried to play by the rules and forget what I shouldn’t crave. But I can’t! She has my heart, boys. And it’s time she knew that."

  "Then I wish you all the luck in the world," Patrick said seriously.

  "You’re going to need it," Liam warned.

  Patrick flicked his cigarette at his brother. "Be quiet, shit for brains. She’s made up her mind. Have you ever known her not to get her way eventually once that’s happened?"

  Liam happily picked up the cigarette and took a long drag. "No," he admitted finally. "I guess I haven’t."

  Patrick looked smug. "If she means that much to RJ, then they should be together."

  "And we will be," RJ said firmly. "We will."

  * * *

  The rain came down in steady, endless sheets as Leigh’s truck speed toward Fitz’s diner. The rhythmic swaying of the windshield wipers were only making it harder for Leigh to stay awake.

  After a few hours of the most restful sleep she’d had in months, Leigh had kissed Judith on her cheek and said her goodbyes. Properly this time. She’d said she’d stop by again sometime, for a burger and some conversation. And Judith had nodded; though in her heart she didn’t think she’d be seeing this particular woman again, she had long ago learned to never say never.

  That morning seemed far away to Leigh as she slowed her rig for a slow-moving car. She felt drained, but hopeful. Hopeful that she could talk RJ into giving them another chance, hopeful that her destiny was in her own hands and not someone else’s.

  Leigh had replayed their last moments together endlessly since she’d driven away from the diner. At first, she couldn’t see beyond her own anger and pain. But last night as she told Judith what had happened, for the first time, she could look beyond her own emotions and focus on RJ. Not only on the words that had broken her heart. But on the taller woman’s face. On her eyes. On the slight quiver of her chin and the way she ducked her head as she spoke. These were all clues that helped her wade through her confusion and resentment. She hadn’t read RJ wrong. The woman was in love with her. Leigh could see it in those soulful green eyes, feel it whenever they touched. Now all she had to do was make RJ see it too. Nothing was going to stop her.

  In her lap sat the small black bear. She lifted it to her lips and kissed it softly as her eyes grew impossibly heavy. The turnoff for the diner and Glory are around here somewhere. She yawned. I know it. Her thoughts began to drift to RJ and finding her. And her eyelids fluttered shut.

  Then she was floating and dreaming.

  * * *

  Leigh trudged up a small hill, running her palms along the tops of the tall, wet grass as she walked. The sun was shining and a cool breeze gently washed over her. Every step was hard, but she knew down deep inside that if she could just make it over the hill …

  At the top, she shielded her eyes from the sun with the back of her hand and peered down the other side. It was the edge of a town, quaint and clean. "Glory," she said excitedly. "It has to be."

  In a far-off way she realized she was dreaming, that none of this was real. But she didn’t care. It simply didn’t matter as she ran as fast as she could down the long, gradually flattening terrain, teddy bear clutched tightly in her hand. The air smelled like summer blossoms and the wind was at her back, pushing her toward her destination.

  Finally, panting, she stepped onto the damp sidewalk and slowed her pace. Spinning in a circle she looked around at the neat rows of houses and lush trees that lined both sides of the street. She could hear the faint music of an ice cream truck and the sound of children laughing and Leigh laughed. It’s a Stepford town, she thought wryly, deciding instantly that she really didn’t mind.

  A tiny weathered-looking woman approached her, shuffling along in the opposite direction. "Well," Mrs. Amos stopped and smiled at Leigh. "It’s about time you got here."

  Leigh blinked. "What do you–"

  "Never mind, dear." Mrs. Amos patted her arm gently. "You’re here now and that’s all that matters."

  Leigh shook her head a little. "Is … is this Glory?"

  "Of course. And we had all our potholes filled last spring," she finished proudly. In her estimation it never hurt to show off that little fact.

  Leigh stared at the woman. "Uh … okay. Glad to hear it. By any chance you don’t know a –"

  "She’ll be in the park about now. I’m certain." Mrs. Amos extended her arm and pointed a gnarled finger in the direction Leigh had been heading. "It’s in the very center of town. You can’t miss it. There’s a lovely fountain right in the middle." She gave Leigh a little shove. "Go on now. I can’t stand the thought of her moping another second. It’s only a block or so away."

  Leigh grinned and took off running. When she rounded the corner she could see RJ and Pete sitting on a shaded bench, talking. She froze, suddenly unsure of what she was going to say. Thankfully, she was spared too long to worry over it because as soon as she came into view, RJ’s head snapped up and their eyes locked. RJ shot to her feet and she could see her gesture wildly and say something nasty to Pete, who flinched.

  "Okay." Leigh licked her lips nervously. "Now or never." As fast as her feet would carry her, she closed the remaining distance between them.

  RJ opened her arms and Leigh flew into them, her impact knocking the taller woman back into the damp grass. Each woman’s lips frantically sought the other’s and they kissed deeply.

  "Leigh," RJ breathed, backing away just enough to
kiss the trucker’s chin and cheeks. "What are you doing here, lass? God, you can’t be here." She was shaking. "You can’t."

  Leigh kissed her again. "I am here. And I’m not going anywhere." The bear fell forgotten on the soft grass alongside RJ, and she pinned the larger woman with strong arms. "Get used to it, RJ. You’re stuck with me."

  RJ shook her head wildly. "Dammit! No!" She pried Leigh’s hands from her shirt and jumped to her feet to square off against Pete, who was trying his best to blend in with the background. "What the hell is this, Pete! She does not belong here." The words were nearly spat, and Pete couldn’t help but back off a step.

  "I belong with you," Leigh protested.

  RJ grabbed Leigh’s shoulders and gave them a desperate shake. "You don’t understand! You don’t know what you’re saying."

  Leigh’s eyes flashed. "I do know."

  "RJ," Pete held both hands up in surrender. "She does belong here. She’s right. You’re meant to be together.

  RJ advanced a step, her eyes daring Pete to retreat another inch. "Not like this. She’s got a lifetime to live. No, Peter. You can undo this. You fix this!" she shouted.

  Leigh’s head was snapping back and forth between them. Why should Pete care one way or the other?

  "There’s nothing to fix," Pete said firmly.

  RJ closed her eyes and tilted her head back as she growled out in frustration.

  Leigh’s gentle touch on her face drew her attention downward. "I don’t understand," she said honestly. "I know you love me. Why won’t you let us be together?"

  RJ’s heart clenched at the words. "You don’t truly understand, Leigh. Or you wouldn’t be here."

  "But I want us to be together." Leigh stamped her foot furiously. "Why is that so hard to understand?"

  RJ pulled her close. "You have to go back."

  "She can’t," Pete interrupted. His eyes softened as he spoke to his old friend. Flea, who had been watching the scene from her lounging spot under the large oak tree, jumped up onto Peter’s shoulder and rubbed her face against his cheek. "She’s been on the road to Glory for a while now, Fitz." He spread his hands out in entreaty. "Now is the right time, for you both. Accept it."