Coffee and Conclusions

by Emma Sterner-Radley

  “I just want to do right by him.” Erin looked from Alberto back up at her. “And you.”

  Isabella gave her a warm smile. “You’re doing just fine. We’re both happy, safe, and feel quite appreciated. I’d say gold star for you, Miss Black.”

  Chuckling and visibly trying to relax her posture, Erin leaned in to kiss her lips. after a second’s hesitation, she placed a gentle kiss on Alberto’s head.

  He blinked rapidly and giggled when her hair tickled his face. The reaction seemed to reassure Erin. So, Isabella grabbed a lock of blonde hair and tickled him under the chin with it. He squealed with mirth and squirmed to get away from it.

  When Isabella looked up, there was a look of awe and what might have been pride on Erin’s face.

  As the summer evening descended on Philadelphia, Isabella put on some more lipstick and checked her hair before she walked back into the room. Erin was kneeling over Alberto in his gym, watching him play.

  “Right. Daddy should be here in about fifteen minutes. I decided against pumping milk for Alberto. Instead I’ll feed him now, and he should be fine until we come back. I wasn’t sure how Daddy would cope with the feeding process. Alberto isn’t very fond of the bottle. We’re only having dinner, so we’ll be back soon.” Even Isabella could hear the stress in her own voice and grimaced.

  Erin offered a reassuring smile. It helped. Just a bit. So did the calm tone in Erin’s voice when she said, “We won’t even have dessert, babe. We’ll be back in no time. They’ll be fine.”

  Still, Isabella gave a curt nod. She wasn’t convinced she shouldn’t leave some milk. Or perhaps not leave at all.

  She picked up Alberto and sat down to feed him. Erin gave them some space and when they were all set, sat down next to them and offered Alberto a bunch of blonde locks to toy with. He grabbed on right away this time, with his chubby little fingers moving over the strands of hair as if he was trying to ascertain the texture.

  Suddenly Erin’s eyes widened. “Is this okay? Sorry, I should’ve asked first.”

  Isabella felt her heart melt once more and wondered just how much it could take. “Of course it is. In fact, I was just thinking how sweet you are. You live up to your nickname, my precious darling.”

  Erin smiled shyly, but it soon turned into a cheeky grin. “Whoa there, Ms. Gushy.”

  Isabella made sure her full mask of disdain was in place. “Tell anyone, and I’ll poison your coffee.”

  “Oh, I’d know about that right away. I know when someone’s reheated my coffee, I’ll sure as hell know if you put something in it, lady.”

  With a scoff, she decided to ignore Erin and looked down at Alberto instead. Alberto was still playing with the hair, but his fingers were moving slowly now, as if it was hard work. His eyes fluttered shut and then opened again. Isabella heard Erin give a little whimper.

  “Aw, look,” she said quietly. “He’s so tired, but he’s still fighting to keep awake. He’s so frickin’ cute.”

  Isabella hummed her agreement, pride swelling in her chest.

  “He must have gotten that cuteness from his dad, because his mom’s an ogre.”

  Isabella gave her another glare, this one laced with extra contempt. But she was loving the banter, and the desire to kiss that cheeky grin off Erin’s face was almost overwhelming. Instead, she simply drawled, “I see you’re not hoping to get lucky tonight.”

  “Babe, I saw the way you looked at how much shoulder I’m showin’ tonight. I think my odds for getting laid are pretty high.”

  The corners of Isabella’s mouth twitched, and she had to force them not to break into a smile. “Not if you keep being so cocky, they’re not.”

  “You’re right. That was a bit much,” Erin admitted with an adorable lip bite. “But hey, as long as I’m in your company, I’m pretty damn lucky. So I guess I win either way.”

  Isabella laughed. “Now who’s being gushy?”

  Instead of answering, Erin leaned in and gave Isabella’s ear a soft kiss. It felt strangely familiar and gloriously intimate. And Isabella instantly wanted more.

  Chapter 24

  Talking, Deciding, Kissing.

  Isabella smiled when Erin interlaced their fingers, as if it were a normal gesture they did every night when they were out walking.

  “I think your dad liked me,” Erin said.

  “I think so too.” Isabella’s smile widened. Not only was she walking hand in hand with her lover on their way to a restaurant, but Erin had picked up on her father’s approval. Joy rushed through her veins.

  “Thank you for not spelling out that we’re dating. I’m sure he’ll just assume we are two friends going out for a meal. I will explain how much you mean to me soon. In fact, I want this to be when I sow the seed for that conversation. When Daddy comes home, Mother will question him about who I was with and she…well, she’ll ask what we wore and how we behaved. She’ll probably suspect that you’re more than a friend.”

  “It’s okay. Handle it however you’re comfortable. You’re not the first woman I’ve dated while she was coming out. Granted, the other two were younger and a lot higher on the Kinsey scale…but I’ve been through this before. I can be discreet. And patient.”

  “What’s the Kinsey scale?”

  “Uh, well, simplified, it’s a scale where one end means you’re one hundred percent straight and the other ends means you’re one hundred percent homo. The theory is that we all land somewhere on the scale.”

  “I see. Well, thank you for being patient and understanding about my parents. If everything goes to plan, I’ll tell them about you next week. If I’m feeling particularly cowardly, I’ll rope Marie in to come and help talk Mother down when she hits the roof.”

  “Still think she’ll be angrier about me being a lowly personal trainer than me being a woman?”

  Isabella gave a mirthless laugh. “Positive.”

  “Then maybe she’ll like me better if I own a gym?”

  Squeezing Erin’s hand, Isabella replied, “Perhaps. But I don’t want you to choose your path in life to impress my mother. Trust me, I’ve tried. It only leads to misery. She’s never satisfied and will find fault with everything. It’s her greatest talent.”

  “Don’t worry, babe. I won’t let her decide anything. It’s up to you and me. At least, I want it to be.”

  Isabella looked at the sign above them to check that they were in the right place. “We’ll discuss it over dinner. We’re here now.”

  With a hand resting gently on Erin’s lower back, she led them in to the best table in the house.

  The sea bass was perfectly cooked, and the nonalcoholic chardonnay she chose complemented the fish well. She watched Erin carve into her steak with gusto and smiled.

  “So, are you going to talk to me at any point, or should I leave you and that T-bone alone?”

  Erin stopped the fork that was halfway to her mouth. “Oh, sorry. Let’s talk. So, me blowing my itty-bitty savings on buying a gym and thereby anchoring myself in New York—for or against?”

  Isabella laughed. “Well, that was succinct. I’ve given it a little thought, and I think it might be a good idea, if you feel that owning a gym is the right thing for you. It’ll mean a lot more work. It would also mean a lot of research and learning how to run your own business, which isn’t easy.”

  Erin took a sip of her beer. “I think I’m ready for that. I’m outgrowing my old life. I’m tired of drifting around like everything’s temporary. The way I lived before I met you was simple but not very fulfilling, you know? I was just…getting by, not really living.” She paused, holding up her beer and looking at it as if the right words might be floating in the foamed liquid.

  “I didn’t see any reason to challenge myself and try new stuff. I didn’t believe I could, even if I wanted to. Meeting you changed that,” Erin continued, cautiously. “I feel li
ke it’s time to grow up and take responsibility. I feel like I might be able to pull it off. I want to own something, put effort into it, and watch it thrive. I want something that’s mine. Plus, it means not having to deal with clients every damn minute, which will make my introvert brain happy.” They shared an amused look before Erin continued. “The whole thing still freaks me out, but I feel like I might be able to do it. If you’re with me.”

  Isabella took a breath before diving in. “That brings us to the next point. Me being with you. You haven’t said it, but underlying this whole discussion is the theme of you doing this to have more money and stability for a life with me and Alberto. Correct?”

  Seemingly close to choking on her beer, Erin hurried to reply. “I’m not assuming anything, babe! It’s just that what we have seems to be serious. At least, I hope it’s serious. I’m not sure if we can be a lifelong thing, because I’m such a mess, and you’re…”

  “A mother?” Isabella filled in.

  “Well, yeah, that too. But I was going to say ‘a real adult.’ Unlike me, you know how to settle down and start a family.”

  Isabella smoothed out her napkin. “Hardly. I failed at that, remember? That’s why Alberto and I are here.”

  “Aw, c’mon now. You didn’t fail. You just…picked the wrong players for the game.”

  Isabella smirked at her. “Sports metaphors are lost on me, preciosa.”

  “Fine, fine. You had the wrong pieces for your chess game, then. You had one of those tower thingies when you needed…”

  “A queen?” Isabella flirted and took Erin’s hand across the table.

  Erin’s smile lit up the dim restaurant. “Yeah, why not? I’m the queen you need to win the game.”

  Isabella resisted the urge to inform Erin that a game of chess was better played with all the pieces in play, but she understood the point Erin was trying to make and had to agree. Richard, Alberto, and she looked like a perfect family on paper, but it was all wrong. Now, she, Alberto, and Erin, well, that was much more promising.

  “I’m going to be completely frank with you here, Erin.”

  She scrunched up her nose. “Why? Don’t be Frank, I like you as Isabella.”

  Isabella closed her eyes in defense against the silly joke and let go of Erin’s hand. “Don’t start.”

  That earned her a snigger. Erin held her hands up. “Sorry, sorry. I’m back into old habits. Go on.”

  “I don’t have any doubts about our future, Erin. I’ve waited, experimented, and evaluated things enough. I’m ready to commit. So don’t worry about anchoring yourself in New York. If you buy the gym, Alberto and I will move to New York one day, either to my own place if you’re not ready for further commitment, or if you are, then somewhere nice and big with you.”

  Erin stared at her openmouthed. “Moving in together? Whoa! We haven’t even known each other for six months yet.”

  Isabella shrugged and sipped her wine. “I’m used to analyzing the options, deciding what I want, and then going for it. You are what I want. In fact, I think you are what I need.”

  She paused to put her glass down, wanting to make sure she had Erin’s full attention for what she was about to say. “Now I repeat, we don’t have to move in together right away, and I’d like to add that me and Alberto moving to New York wouldn’t happen for a while yet. But the apartment we’re in now will be too small as Alberto grows older and needs a room that can fit more than a crib.” She took Erin’s hand again, and Erin immediately interlaced their fingers. Isabella smiled and continued. “You’ve been hinting about us building a future, even if you aren’t consciously aware of it. That’s why you keep talking about getting a nest egg and learning to take responsibility. Sounds to me like you’re gearing up for a life with me and Alberto.”

  Erin puffed out a breath. “I-I…um, yeah, but not so soon! I mean, one day, yes. But what’s wrong with long distance for a while?”

  With a patient smile, Isabella tilted her head to the side. “Erin. Look at our hands. We can’t stop touching each other. We miss each other like love-stricken teenagers when we’re apart. There’s only so long we can stay in a long-distance relationship. As I said, there’s no hurry, I’m just letting you know that I’m ready whenever you are. Your talk of putting down roots helped me see that.”

  Erin swallowed visibly, and the hand in hers felt warm and damp.

  “Calm down. I’m not asking you to marry me here,” Isabella joked.

  “You’re not?” Erin looked relieved.

  “No, mi amor. Not yet.” Isabella laughed and got a beaming smile in return. She watched that smile dissipate, as Erin ran her free hand over her neck and stared down at the table. They were quiet for a while, holding hands.

  “Yeah. I guess you’re right,” Erin said, finally breaking the silence. “A life together was what I was thinking about when I came up with this plan. In the long run, I’d be making a lot more owning the gym than as a self-employed trainer. And I think I’d be good at it. I really care about the place. I’ve watched Chris run it, and I’ve seen where he’s gone wrong. I don’t know about timelines for our future, and I don’t think I’m quite ready to talk about that yet. But if you’re okay with the idea of moving to New York one day…I think I’ll tell Chris I’m serious about my offer.”

  With a smile, Isabella retracted her hand and picked up her fork to continue eating. “Good. Then it’s settled. Tomorrow we’ll discuss finances. I might even invest some money from the house sale if it’s a sound business proposal.”

  Erin fidgeted with her dress strap, still looking shell-shocked. “Really? Um, I don’t know if I can let you do that. I’d be happy for the financial advice, though.”

  “Great. Now, tuck into that steak. You’ll need your energy tonight,” Isabella purred and winked.

  A tentative smile began on Erin’s pink lips. She was clearly happy their conversation was back on familiar ground.

  They walked back, hand in hand, and were almost back at the apartment when Isabella turned her head, only to find Erin looking at her.

  “Hey, beautiful,” Erin said.

  Isabella smiled so big it made her cheeks hurt. “Hey, yourself.”

  Erin looked down at the pavement where her kitten-heeled shoes clicked in time with Isabella’s higher heels. “You know, I’m kinda sorry we’re almost back at your place,” Erin said quietly.

  “Why’s that?”

  “Your dad will be there, so I’ll have to stop touching and kissing you.”

  “Well, we’ll just have to kiss right now then, to have something to tide us over until he leaves,” Isabella replied.

  She pulled Erin toward her and caught her by the waist. The kiss was tender but promised a night of less gentle activities. Soon Erin’s arms embraced her, both hands gripping her behind.

  Isabella’s opened her eyes a little in shock at Erin’s firm, sexy grasp of her rear. Before she closed them again and settled into the kiss fully, she saw a car make a dangerous U-turn and speed off, then thought nothing more of it, too occupied with how wonderful Erin felt and how overwhelmingly happy she was.

  Chapter 25

  Everything Out In the Open

  Isabella woke to the sound of her phone vibrating on the nightstand. She tried to sit up to reach it, but Erin’s arm and leg were draped over her heavily. Awkwardly, she shimmied to the side. The screen said Mother and showed Isabella she’d already missed two calls. She swore under her breath.

  “Hello? Mother? You’re calling early. Is everything okay?” she asked drowsily.

  “I don’t know, Isabella. You tell me. Has the woman you allowed to grope you in public left you intact, or should I worry that she is an axe murderer too? Hmm? Is that why you have kept her a secret?”

  Shit, shit, shit. She knows. Shit. Well. There’s no going back now.

  Isabella forced the s
leep from her voice. She needed to sound stern and confident for this conversation.

  “Grope me in public? What do you mean? And how do you know about her?”

  “I arrived early to pick up your father. I saw you with my own eyes, Isabella. And I could scarcely believe it. But that is neither here nor there, I asked my questions first, young lady. And I expect answers.”

  Isabella rubbed at her forehead, remembering the car and its dangerous U-turn as Erin had squeezed her ass the night before. She decided, for the time being, to ignore the fact that her father had driven himself and that the only other logical reason for Judith’s drive-by was spying. She addressed the issue at hand. “Mother, I was going to tell you about her. I was going to come over next week for dinner and tell you both that I’m dating someone and that it is serious.”

  “I see. Why don’t we push that forward to right now? I shall get your father and we will come see you in around fifteen minutes.”

  Despite knowing her mother couldn’t see her, Isabella pulled the covers over her naked body. “What? No, not right now.”

  “She’s there, isn’t she? That is why you haven’t been answering your phone. You have been busy doing God knows what with some woman. Well, you will tell me everything about her, starting with where she is from and what she does.”

  “Mother! You can’t talk to me like that and make those sorts of demands. I’m an adult, and even if I wasn’t, I’d still deserve better than being spoken to like this.”

  “You will answer me. Right now.”

  “You want answers? Fine. Her name is Erin Black. She’s a personal trainer on a modest wage, she doesn’t come from money, and is unlikely to inherit half of Pennsylvania when some distant uncle dies.”

  “Don’t take that tone with me, Isabella Martinez. You did that when you ran off with your conservationist hippie, and look how that turned out. When will you learn that a race horse cannot mate with donkeys? You need someone who deserves you and can keep up with you.”