199 Steps to Love

by Pauline George

  But as she thought back Lucy remembered a conversation she’d had not long after she’d started work at her very first job.

  Lucy and Kerry were going toward their office building.

  “See her over there?” Kerry pointed to a woman who was a little older than the pair of them. She was a new member of the staff and had only been working in the office for a couple of weeks. Lucy had seen her around but didn’t know anything about her, hadn’t even spoken to her.

  “Yes, who is she?” Lucy asked as the woman walked ahead of them.

  “That’s Jenny, she’s a lesbian.”

  “Oh really, she doesn’t look like one.” Although Lucy had no idea what she was talking about, she just wanted to sound as if she did.

  “Sarah told me.”

  Sarah was the office gossip. You didn’t dare tell her anything personal, as it would be all over the office within seconds.

  “Okay. Well that’s fine, as long as she leaves me alone.”

  “Too right, she’d better not come near me either.”

  At the time Lucy felt something flit across her consciousness, but couldn’t figure out what it was. Thinking about it now, she realised that maybe in that instant she recognised something in herself, a kind of kinship with Jenny. Because she’d been young and naïve she’d scoffed at the idea and until today had forgotten all about it. Lucy had only been in her late teens, and even though it was the sixties and there was free love, it didn’t hold true for homosexuals. They were attacked and ridiculed and there was a lot of bigotry around at the time. Lucy remembered seeing a film called The Killing of Sister George set in the sixties. It was quite a dark film and Lucy hadn’t liked how the women were portrayed. Was she a bigot at that time?

  Lucy also remembered times when she’d passed a woman in the street. Eye contact was made and a certain recognition was there. Several more instances of coming into contact with gay women came to mind.

  Why doesn’t any of this bother me, and why am I not appalled at the idea of being gay?

  Lucy gave up trying to find answers and switched the television on in the hope it would blot out any more thoughts. She could feel a headache working its way across her brow.

  LUCY WAS UP bright and early, ready for her trip up the Abbey steps. There was a steely determination about her this time. Probably because she sensed there was more at stake than the painting she wanted to buy. Whatever was going on in her head, she needed to explore it and see where it would lead her. The fact that it may lead to her accepting her altered sexuality wasn’t as intimidating as she thought it would be.

  Lucy was curious as to why that was. Earlier she’d wondered if she’d always been gay, but just not recognised the signs. But what were the signs she was supposed to recognise? The more Lucy thought about it the more she realised it really didn’t bother her. Maybe age and maturity had its benefits after all.

  Lucy put her camera and a bottle of water in her backpack. She didn’t pack any lunch as, with a bit of luck, Jamie would take her for that promised coffee.

  She locked the cottage and, with her backpack on her back, set off with a new spring in her step. She was full of positivity and was determined to complete the steps in one go.

  It was too early for Jamie's gallery to be open so she went down that street to the bottom of the steps, as it was the best route.

  Well, Lucy, here goes nothing. Slow and steady wins the race.

  She took a deep breath and started up on the first step.

  JAMIE OPENED UP the gallery, feeling in a better frame of mind than she had been for the last couple of days. She was also hoping that something was going to happen today. Having thought things through and coming to the conclusion she had, Jamie felt much more positive that she would see Lucy today.

  Even though the sun was shining it was still chilly, so Jamie switched the heating on. It didn’t take too long for the gallery to warm up, and by the time she’d made herself a mug of coffee it was toasty warm.

  Jamie sat on a stool behind the counter, mug in hand, looking out of the gallery window in anticipation. She had a feeling it wouldn’t be long before she saw Lucy.

  ONE HUNDRED AND ninety-nine. Yay!

  Lucy didn’t know why she’d counted the steps as she climbed, maybe it was because she didn’t really believe there were as many as the guide book had stated. However her tired legs were testament to the fact that there were indeed one hundred and ninety-nine. On her first attempt she’d given up counting in frustration when she couldn’t make it all the way to the top in one go.

  She got to the bench seat at the top and sat down. The smile on Lucy’s face was a picture and told the world, well the people at the top, she’d done it. Everyone smiled at her as they passed by, knowing what a climb it had been, and even if you hadn’t made it in one go, you’d still made it to the top. Lucy got her water and drank thirstily between gasps of air. As she recovered she felt much as the climbers who got to the highest peak must feel. Yes she knew she’d only climbed a few steps, but to her they were very important steps. She’d set herself a challenge and she’d managed to complete it.

  “I’ve conquered my Kilimanjaro, yeah!” Lucy punched the air in celebration.

  She looked around to see if anyone had heard her outburst. Two women who’d arrived at the top as she’d spoken aloud, nodded as if in agreement.

  Lucy was ecstatic and she couldn’t erase the wide grin on her face. It was only a few minutes before her breathing was back to normal. Repacking the water in the backpack she grabbed her camera to take some pictures. Lucy even managed to get one of the two women to take her picture with the steps in the background. Pleased with herself she couldn’t wait to get to the gallery to see Jamie, buy her painting and maybe find some answers. So, without further ado, she made her way back down the steps with the same wide grin still on her face.

  Chapter Five

  JAMIE LOOKED UP as if sensing Lucy. She saw her walk past the gallery window to the door. Jamie came out from behind the counter as Lucy entered the shop. She could see from her big grin that Lucy had succeeded.

  Before she could speak Lucy walked right up to her and put her hands on either side of Jamie's face.

  “I did it! One hundred and ninety-nine steps in one go.”

  And then Lucy kissed her on the lips.

  If Jamie was surprised she took it in her stride by pulling Lucy in and returning it.

  Lucy pulled away and looked in Jamie's eyes. “God I’m sorry—I— er—I shouldn’t—”

  “Yes—okay—I’ll go and get your painting,” was all Jamie could manage as she went into the back room.

  Jamie came back into the shop, carrying what was obviously her painting. It was professionally wrapped and Jamie laid it on the counter.

  “It’s wrapped well for the journey home, thank you very much.”

  “You’re welcome, although this is our standard packing, but I can put more bubble wrap if—”

  Lucy hid a grin, as she came to the conclusion the kiss had rattled Jamie just as much if the banal conversation was anything to go by.

  “No, as it is will be fine. You said a hundred and seventy-five pounds, do you take debit cards?”

  “Of course, madam,” Jamie replied, in her most professional tone and set the payment up.

  Lucy tapped in her number, and within a few seconds her bank balance was suddenly lighter, but it was worth it.

  Jamie handed her the receipt and her card back.

  “Thank you for your business, madam, please call again,” Jamie said and laughed.

  “Okay, now we’ve got the formalities out of the way, I remember you saying you would buy me a coffee.”

  “I did indeed. Can you give me an hour? Selena will be in by then and I can get away.”

  “No problem. I’ll take the painting back to the cottage and be back in an hour.” Lucy picked it up and left the shop.

  LUCY PUT THE painting by the side of the sofa, where it would be safe, read
y for her to take home.

  She sat on the chair by the fire to kill time before heading back to the gallery. Lucy was looking forward to having coffee with Jamie, but hoping they could avoid talking about the kiss. Not that Lucy was really worried, although she did wonder what had come over her. She hoped that it wouldn’t cause a problem for their budding—budding what exactly?

  Friendship of course, Lucy, what else could it be?

  She checked her watch, and started out for the gallery.

  JAMIE LOOKED UP as the gallery door opened.

  “Hi, Sel, guess what?”

  “Okay I’ll bite, what?”

  “Lucy did the steps in one go, came by to get the painting, and she’s coming back and we’re going for coffee,” Jamie said, almost running her words into one another.

  “Breathe, Jamie, breathe,” Selena said, and laughed.

  Selena took her coat off and hung it in the cupboard, then turned and looked closely at Jamie. “There’s something you’re not telling me, JJ.”

  “She kissed me.”

  “Oh my god, she didn’t?”

  “Oh my god, she did.” Jamie grinned, and then her face broke into the biggest smile.

  “Wow, how did that happen?”

  “She came into the shop just after I’d opened up,” Jamie said, as she recalled Lucy’s visit.

  “And? Come on, don’t keep me in suspense.”

  “She put her hands on either side of my face and said, ’I did it, one hundred and ninety-nine steps in one go,’ then she kissed me.”

  “Wow!”

  “Yes, wow.”

  “What did you do?”

  “Stupid question, Sel.”

  “Oh yeah, of course, you kissed her back.”

  “Damn right I did, and it was wonderful. For someone I thought was straight, she didn’t seem at all worried about kissing a woman,” Jamie said, still feeling a little jumpy about it all.

  “And you’re off for coffee with her, if she comes back.”

  “What do you mean, if? Of course she’ll come back, why did you say that?”

  “Come on, Jamie, maybe when she realises what she’s done, she’ll run a mile. Well at least back home.”

  “You don’t have much faith in human nature, do you, Sel?”

  Just then the door opened and Lucy walked in, glowing from her walk.

  “Hi, Lucy, come and meet my colleague and friend, Selena,” Jamie said, making the introductions.

  “Hi, Lucy, Jamie's told me all about you,” Selena said with a smirk.

  Lucy’s glow turned into a blush.

  “Sel, play nice, please,” Jamie warned.

  “Okay, JJ. Sorry, Lucy I couldn’t resist,” Selena said.

  Lucy smiled wanly.

  “Right, Sel, the gallery is all yours. Try not to ruin me. I’ll be back in an hour, and then you can go for lunch.

  “Sure, boss, have fun.”

  “AS YOU’VE HAD quite an energetic morning, I thought you deserved more than coffee, so I’ll throw in a big, fattening piece of cake.”

  “I was hoping cake would be part of the offer.”

  Jamie opened the door to the coffee shop. Lucy accepted Jamie's chivalrous gesture of letting her enter first. They found a table by the window and waited for the waitress. Neither of them said anything, but the silence between them was comfortable.

  “What can I get for you ladies? Hi, JJ, how’s business?”

  “Fine thanks, Sue, how about you?”

  “Good considering we’re coming to the end of the season. I think the late sunshine has had a hand in keeping people coming through the door.”

  “True, I’ve had a few extra sales. Oh, this is Lucy, she’s holidaying up here and just bought a painting,” Jamie said.

  “Nice to meet you, Lucy.” Sue shook hands with her.

  “Nice to meet you, too. Everyone has been so kind since I’ve been here.”

  “Mmm even got the personal treatment from JJ, eh?” Sue winked at Jamie and Lucy blushed.

  “I thought coffee and cake would help the purchase go smoothly,” Jamie said, trying not to dig a big hole for herself.

  “I’m sure you did. So cake and coffee then, what cake do you want?”

  “I’ll have the carrot cake please, and a regular coffee,” Lucy said.

  “Same for me, please.”

  “Okay, it won’t be long, ladies.”

  “That was embarrassing. Sorry for what Sue was implying.”

  “No need to apologise I’m sure she meant no harm,” Lucy said at Jamie's slight embarrassment. “So, what’s the deal between you and Sue then? Are you business rivals?”

  “Oh boy, you go straight for the jugular, don’t you?”

  “No point in anything else. I’m only here for another ten days and we probably won’t see each other again, so what’s the harm?” Lucy asked.

  “Okay I suppose you’re right, there’s no harm—” Jamie stopped as Sue arrived with their order.

  “There you go, two coffees and two carrot cakes, enjoy.”

  “Go on, you were telling me about you and Sue.”

  “There is no me and Sue, well not now at least. Sue and I used to date a while back but it didn’t really work out.” Jamie hoped this revelation wouldn’t put Lucy off.

  “I think she’s a bit jealous you’ve brought me here,” Lucy said. “She’s still got a thing for you.”

  “No she hasn’t, she’s seeing someone else now.”

  “That may be, but I think if you asked her, she’d be seeing you instead.” Lucy grinned.

  They ate and drank in silence, each thinking their own thoughts.

  “Have you ever been married Jamie?”

  “They hadn’t passed the equal marriage bill through Parliament before—so no, I haven’t,” Jamie replied, with an edge to her voice.

  “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to pry.”

  “It’s okay, no harm done. How’s the cake?”

  “Delicious. I’d love to try the other ones sometime. Maybe we could do this again, my treat?”

  “Of course, and you’ll love the double chocolate fudge cake.”

  Lucy laughed. “Oh god I can feel an inch going on my hips already.”

  You have no worries on that score, Jamie thought. You have a great figure with curves in all the right places.

  “When’s your day off?” Lucy asked. “I know it’s your own business, but you must have some time off.”

  “I usually take Thursday afternoons off and leave the gallery in Selena's capable hands. In the off season I don’t open on Sundays.”

  “Wow, you’re a workaholic!”

  “Not really. I don’t open until ten in the morning and close at five. It’s not hard manual labour.”

  “I guess not. Well it’s Thursday tomorrow, would you show me a decent local walk in return for a home-cooked meal?”

  “Yes, I’d love to,” Jamie said enthusiastically. “We can go to Robin Hood’s Bay. It’s beautiful and one of my favourite places.”

  “It’s a da—deal. One walk for one home cooked meal.”

  Jamie looked at her watch. “Time for me to go back to work, I’m afraid.”

  She got up and went to the counter to pay the bill.

  “Bye, JJ, Lucy. See you soon.” Sue called from the back of the shop.

  “Bye, Sue,” Lucy replied politely.

  “See you, Sue,” Jamie said, as she opened the door for her and Lucy.

  “What’s the best time to meet tomorrow?” Lucy asked.

  “I normally finish at one but it’s a long time since I played hooky so let’s make it twelve.”

  “Okay, shall I meet you at the gallery?”

  “Yes, that would be great.”

  “Right twelve tomorrow,” Lucy said, and leant up to kiss Jamie on the cheek before walking away.

  “SO HOW WAS coffee?” Selena asked.

  “Very nice, and wipe that smirk off your face. It’s not becoming.”

&nbs
p; “Yes, boss.”

  “Can you come in a bit earlier tomorrow? I’d like to leave at twelve.”

  “And what might you be doing, or should I say who?”

  “Very funny. Are you practising for a comedy club gig, ’cos I have to tell you, your act needs more work, much more work.”

  “Okay I’m sorry, so what are you doing then?”

  “Lucy asked me to show her a local walk, and in return she’ll cook me dinner.”

  “That sounds nice. Where are you going to take her?”

  Jamie’s face lit up. “Robin Hood’s Bay, which will give us a good walk with some stunning views. It’s one of my favourite places.”

  Jamie could see thoughts going around in Selena's head and could imagine what they were. “What? Come on, Sel spit it out, I know you’re dying to say something.”

  “Jamie, I think it’s great you’ve made a friend of Lucy—”

  “But? There has to be a but,” Jamie said, pressing Selena for her opinion.

  “Not really a but, Jamie. I’m just concerned that Lucy is only here on holiday and lives nearly three hundred miles away. I can see you’re really into her and I just don’t want you getting hurt.”

  “I hear you but I can’t seem to stop myself. There’s just something about Lucy that makes me feel alive.”

  “Well it’s about time, and that’s all I’m going to say.”

  “I’m sure it won’t be, but okay and thanks. So back to my original question can you come in earlier?”