by Lydia Rose
“The last thing we need is for your mom to find us nude in bed in the morning.”
“She knows I love you and she has seen me naked more these last few weeks then she has in more years then I can remember.”
“Yes, but she hasn’t seen me,” Wendy said with a giggle. “Go to sleep, Quinn. You need your rest.”
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
Over the next several weeks Quinn continued to rebuild her strength. She was walking around on her own and eating without being coaxed.
This morning, Wendy was making breakfast for Tina and her mother.
“Thank you for picking me up, Quinn,” Arlene said as she got into the car.
“Anytime, Arlene. It’s nice to get out of the house after all that time not being able to.”
“How do you really feel?” Arlene asked.
“Good. Surprisingly good, but I’ll still worry until I get my next scan.”
“Are you nervous about your next scan?”
“Terrified. Not so much for me, but for Wendy,” Quinn admitted with a glance in Arlene’s direction.
“Quinn, you need that love to fight something like this. It allows you to go through the horrible treatments knowing you’re doing this to help the people who love you.”
“Is that how you got through it, Arlene?” Quinn asked quietly.
“Yes. I knew Wendy would have a hard time with my passing.”
“I don’t want Wendy to go through losing me after we’ve only been together for just a short time.” Quinn wiped a tear that had escaped from her eye.
Arlene reached for Quinn’s hand. “You’ll both get through this no matter what happens. As long as you have each other, you’ll get through it.”
“Thank you for talking to me, Arlene. You’re the only one who knows what I’m going through.”
****
“You’ve done a wonderful job getting Quinn back on her feet,” Tina said as she went about setting the dining room table.
“Quinn did most of the work herself.”
“Yes, but with you here she had a reason to get out of bed and regain her strength.” Tina kissed Wendy on the cheek. “Thank you.”
“You are quite welcome.” Wendy wrapped her arms around Tina just as Quinn came in the front door with Arlene.
“Get your own girl, Mom. She’s mine.”
“Hi, Mom,” Wendy said greeting her mother. Now she poked Quinn in the stomach. “I’m yours, huh?”
“You bet,” Quinn said kissing her cheek. “The food smells good.”
“It’s good to see you two girls happy,” Arlene said, taking her seat at the table. “Quinn tells me that she’ll be going for another scan in a few weeks. Will you still be here, Wendy?”
“Yes, Mom. When Quinn gets the okay from her doctor she’s going to go to California with me so I can pack up the rest of my things to send east.”
“Can you take that time off from work, Quinn?” Arlene asked.
“It’s so much slower at the store now that the tourists have gone home,” Tina said. “We put Hank in charge at the store. He’s happy for the extra hours and Quinn and I know we can trust him.” Tina smiled. “I still show up there a few days a week.”
****
Quinn and Wendy sat in the doctor’s office waiting to hear the results of her latest scan. He walked in smiling as Quinn held on desperately to Wendy’s hand.
“Relax, ladies. Everything looks good. The scans show there’s no tumor left.”
Wendy let out a strangled sob. “I’m sorry,” she said softly apologizing for her outburst. Quinn now put her arms around the crying Wendy.
“Don’t apologize, Wendy. I know how hard this has been on the two of you,” the doctor added. “I’ll want you back here in six months so we can run another scan, Quinn.”
“I’m not out of the woods then?” Quinn finally asked.
“Quinn, you know I can’t say you are cancer-free because we just don’t know. Everything looks good and the treatments worked. I don’t want you to spend your life on pins and needles waiting for the other shoe to drop. We caught your cancer early and I am very hopeful that you will have a long and happy life.”
Wendy squeezed Quinn’s hand. “Is there anything we should be doing?”
The doctor stood up. “Just live your lives.” He put out his hand.
“Thank you,” Quinn said, taking his hand in both of hers.
Wendy shook his hand too, and smiled. “We can’t thank you enough.”
The doctor waved his hand. “Then go live your lives.”
The two women left his office grinning from ear to ear. When they stepped into the empty elevator, they grabbed each other tightly.
“I love you, Quinn. I don’t know what I would do without you.”
“I love you too Wendy, and thankfully, you won’t have to try and live without me for a long time.”
“Let’s go home and tell our mothers’ the good news.”
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Wendy and Quinn were in Wendy’s apartment packing up her things to be sent to North Carolina.
“Wendy, are you sure you don’t want to keep this place for a while?”
“Why?” Wendy asked.
“Just in case,” Quinn said lowering her eyes.
“You are not going anywhere, Quinn,” she said, taking Quinn into her arms. Wendy kissed Quinn gently. “Do you hear me?”
Quinn nodded. “I don’t want to go, but suppose the tumor comes back?”
“Then we fight it again. I will never give up on you, so please don’t give up on me.”
“I’ll never do that, Wendy.”
Wendy’s doorbell rang and she went to the door. Her manager, Steven was at the door. “Steven?”
“Hi, Wendy. May I come in?”
“Yes.” Wendy turned to Quinn. “Quinn, this is my manager, Steven.”
“Glad to meet you, Quinn,” he said shaking her hand.
Warily, Quinn said, “You too.”
“Is there some place we can talk?” Steven asked Wendy.
“Whatever you have to say, you can say it in front of Quinn.”
Steven sighed and took a seat that was offered. “I got a call from Robert Platter’s manager.”
Robert Platter was the hottest action star for the last five years in the movie industry.
“He has a new project that they want you to co-star in with him.”
“No thanks, Steven,” Wendy said with a wave of her hand.
“It’s only eight weeks of work and they’re offering you fifteen million dollars and a percentage of the profits to do the movie.”
“Why does he want me?”
“He thinks you’ll be perfect for the tough female role,” Steven said smiling.
“Because I came out as a lesbian?” Wendy asked skeptically.
The media caught on quickly after Quinn had visited Wendy during the filming of her last film. The only repercussions seen from them being a couple was more paparazzi. Quinn was plastered in the rag papers along with Wendy.
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Steven said. “He thinks you’re talented and he has been watching your career for years. He is a huge fan of Angie Wilson.”
Wendy glanced at Quinn trying to read her face. “That’s really great, Steven, but I’m not interested.”
“Steven, why don’t you give Wendy some time to think it over,” Quinn said, standing to end the meeting.
“You’re right, Quinn. Think about the offer Wendy, and let me know.” He went out the front door never looking back.
“Good plan to get him to leave,” Wendy said, placing her hands on Quinn’s hips.
“No, I was being serious.”
“What?”
“Wendy, think about it before you just say no.”
“I don’t need to think about it, Quinn. You and I are going back to North Carolina and live a nice quiet life.”
Quinn took Wendy’s hand and led her over to the couch. “The doctor told us to
go out and live our lives. He didn’t say hiding in a small town in North Carolina was going to keep the cancer from coming back.”
“I thought you didn’t like us being apart when I was working?” Wendy asked, taking Quinn’s hand.
“I don’t, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want you to be happy. I can tell from your TV shows and movies that when you’re working you’re happy.”
“You make me happy, Quinn.” Wendy ran her finger down Quinn’s face.
“You make me happy too, Wendy, but I think you should do the film.”
“Is it the money?”
“Of course not, Wendy. I don’t want you to stop what you love doing. It was selfish of me to whine when you were gone. As long as you are coming back to me, that’s all that matters.”
“Are you sure, Quinn?”
“Yes, Wendy I’m very sure,” Quinn answered. She couldn’t stop Wendy from working. If she did and her cancer returned, Wendy would be left with nothing. “I’ll support you any way I can, Wendy. I’ll visit you if I can, but you know I’m just a phone call away.”
“What did I ever do to deserve you, Quinn?” Tears filled Wendy’s eyes as she looked at the woman she loved.
“I’m the lucky one, Wendy. I’m the one you have chosen to live your life with and I couldn’t be any happier.” Quinn leaned over and kissed Wendy’s mouth. “Let me show you how much.” She took Wendy’s hand leading her to the back bedroom.
Quinn also convinced Wendy to buy the condo she had been renting. Since the money on the new film would pay for the condo outright, it made sense. Wendy would have a place to live while she worked in Hollywood and it would also serve as a getaway for the two women. Wendy would move into Quinn’s home in North Carolina when she wasn’t working.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Wendy and Quinn had spent the last three months together in North Carolina. Quinn worked at the store and Wendy became a housewife in her down time.
Wendy was preparing a special dinner for their ten-month anniversary. The dining room was set with flowers and candles. She reminded Quinn not to be late this evening, but didn’t mention her special plans.
Quinn came into the house at six o’clock. “Wow. What’s the occasion?” She asked Wendy as she kissed her cheek.
“It’s been ten months since you and I met at the baseball field,” Wendy said with her hands on her hips.
Quinn smirked. “I know, honey. I’m only teasing you. Come here.” She took Wendy’s hand and led her over to the couch. “Wendy, you have made me the happiest woman in the world since you came into my life. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner.” Quinn smiled and kissed the top of Wendy’s hand. “I love you, Wendy Harris, and I always will.” She dropped to one knee. “I hope you will honor me and become my wife.” Quinn reached into her pocket and pulled out an engagement ring. “I don’t have the money to buy you the biggest diamond you deserve, but know that I give you this ring with all my love. Will you marry me?”
Wendy’s tears were falling as she stared into Quinn’s eyes. “Yes. Yes, Quinn, I will marry you.”
Quinn smiled as she slipped the ring on Wendy’s finger. “Thank you,” she said, before taking Wendy into her arms and kissing her with all the love she felt for this incredible woman.
Tina walked in the front door carrying a bowl of food. She stopped in her tracks when she saw the two women. “I’m sorry. Am I interrupting something?”
Wendy turned to Tina. “No, Tina. Please come over here.” Wendy held out her hand.
Tina put the bowl down and approached them. “What is it?” She asked nervously.
“Your daughter just asked me to marry her,” Wendy said through happy tears.
Tina pulled Wendy into her arms. “Welcome to the family, Wendy.” She now reached for Quinn. “I assume Wendy didn’t turn you down?”
“No, Mom, Wendy said yes.”
Tina glanced into the dining room. “I’m spoiling your plans. I’ll just put this in the refrigerator and leave you girls alone.”
Wendy and Quinn giggled.
“Have fun, girls,” Tina said before she left.
Wendy went back to Quinn’s arms. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
“Then let’s sit down and have dinner because I have plans for dessert,” Wendy said with a wink.
“We can start out with dessert if you prefer?” Quinn asked before Wendy pulled her toward the dining room.
“Sit down, Quinn.” Wendy kissed her ear. “Dessert will come soon enough.”
“Soon enough for whom?” Quinn asked as Wendy went into the kitchen laughing.
Quinn sat eating the special meal that Wendy had prepared, but her hand couldn’t stop searching out its mate across the table. They looked into each other’s eyes. Desire and love were hidden just below the surface. Quinn would smile as she watched her fiancé look at her engagement ring on her left hand. She knew it wasn’t the ring that Wendy was admiring, but the thought that the ring represented. Quinn squeezed Wendy’s hand before she picked up her empty plate and carried it to the kitchen along with Wendy’s plate. They quietly cleaned up the kitchen and then shut the lights downstairs. They both knew they wouldn’t be down here before morning.
Clothes were stripped and they got into the bed. Quinn pulled Wendy’s body to her. Their lips found each other in the dim light and their tongues danced with the passion that had been building in their bodies. Quinn reached out and toyed with one of Wendy’s nipples. She felt the peak stiffen with her gentle urging. Quinn lowered her body on top of her and Wendy’s legs opened to meet with Quinn’s core.
“I love you, Quinn,” Wendy moaned into Quinn’s mouth. “Please touch me, baby.”
Quinn kissed her mouth deeply as her hand moved slowly down Wendy’s body. Every inch of Wendy’s skin was caressed before her fingers felt through the wet folds. “I love when you’re so wet for me,” Quinn murmured against her mouth before her body began its descent to taste her. Quinn loved her with her mouth as two fingers entered her. Her body rose off the bed as sweet whispers left Wendy’s mouth.
“Oh, Quinn,” she screamed, grabbing the sheets with her hands. Once Wendy’s legs stopped quivering, she said, “Come up here, please.”
Quinn climbed up slowly and looked down into Wendy’s face. “You needed something?” She asked with a grin.
“Yes. You.” Wendy grabbed Quinn and pulled her in for a deep kiss. Breaking away breathless, she whispered, “Even after all this time, you make me feel like it’s the first time.”
“I aim to please,” Quinn said with a giggle.
“And you do,” Wendy said, flipping Quinn onto her back. “My turn to please.”
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Wendy was packing for her trip to California. Filming would start in two weeks and she had to get to the set for the preliminary meetings. Her heart was breaking that she wasn’t going to be here for Quinn’s latest scan on Friday. Quinn kept assuring Wendy that she didn’t mind, but Wendy still felt as though she was letting her down when she needed her the most.
Quinn and Wendy spoke over the course of the week and Quinn promised to call Wendy after her meeting with the doctor. They were both on pins and needles the night before Quinn’s scan though neither one voiced their fears.
“Wendy, make me a promise?” Quinn asked.
“I can’t make you a promise until I know what it is,” Wendy’s laugh was not sincere.
“If the scan shows anything, I don’t want you to come home.”
“Quinn, why would you ask that of me? If the news isn’t good, I’ll get out of this movie.”
“No, Wendy. I don’t want that.”
“Quinn, I won’t make that promise. I love you and I want to be there for you.”
“Wendy, even if you aren’t here,” Quinn exhaled loudly, “I’ll know you are here in spirit. If I have to fight again, I will do it on my own.”
“Please don’t ask that of me, Quinn.” Wendy
was now crying. “Please, Quinn.”
“Wendy, I don’t want you here to see me so weak again. You have to promise.”
“Quinn, I’ll fly home tonight and be there with you in the morning for your scan. I’ll charter a plane,” Wendy begged.
“No, Wendy, I won’t have you do that. You have a career.”
“I love you more than I love my career.” Wendy’s tears were falling freely down her face.
Quinn had to say the words that had been sitting in her mind for months. “Wendy, if I don’t make it, what will you do without your career?”
“I don’t care, Quinn. If something happens to you, my life is over anyway.” Wendy’s crying became sobs.
“Wendy, if I don’t make it, I want you to forget about me and start a new life with someone.”
“I don’t want someone else, I only want you. Why are you doing this to me?” Wendy asked, not understanding why Quinn was asking this of her. Why she would want to keep her away?
“Because I love you, Wendy. More than my own life. If I have to fight this disease, I can’t do it if I’m worried about you.” Quinn tried explaining her reasons, but Wendy’s face told a different story.
“Talk to me, Wendy, please?” Quinn begged.
“I’ll do what you asked,” Wendy said barely above a whisper. Her arms squeezed Quinn close to her body.
“Thank you, Wendy. You don’t know what this means to me.”
Wendy continued to cry. “I have to go, Quinn.”
“Okay, sweetheart. I love you,” Quinn said.
“Bye.” Wendy couldn’t get the words I love you to leave her mouth. Quinn had hurt her badly by asking her to stay away if she was ill again. The wound had cut deep into Wendy’s heart and she wondered if she could ever forgive Quinn.
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
Quinn sent Wendy a text after her scan. No Tumor!
Wendy read the screen and almost called Quinn. Her heart was still aching that Quinn would make her promise to stay away if the tumor returned. Instead she called Tina. “Hi, Tina.”