Reining in Riley

by Claire Britain

  “It’s incredible, Riley, where did you get it? I wouldn’t mind a couple more pieces for my New York apartment and the rest of the house,” Joanna marveled.

  “Oh, it’s just a local artist I know,” Riley replied.

  “But it’s not on the credit card receipt, Riley; did you pay cash? What do I owe you?” Joanna questioned.

  “Nothing really, I had a few paintings lying around and it didn’t cost me anything,” Riley said, trying to dismiss Joanna.

  “Well, I don’t like not compensating you for it; can I at least buy you lunch?”

  “That you can do,” Riley smiled. “All this creativity has made me hungry!”

  Riley had been a little more at ease with Joanna during the last couple of days. She had enjoyed the time she had spent at her house. Riley was passionate about her work and pleasing Joanna. She had really gone all out with the house. Other than Joanna coming home and finding her standing on the kitchen island wiring up an elegant pendant light on a live circuit that earned her a few sharp smacks to her backside, Riley had managed to stay out of trouble.

  She had shopped late into the evening to find the right pieces, so Riley was a little perturbed that Joanna had decided to work a half day on Friday when she still had some finishing touches to do on the house.

  “Let me just finish wiring the light; the circuit is off now,” Riley announced.

  “I should hope so, what were you thinking?” Joanna scolded.

  “Joanna, I’ve wired a few lights in my time, I know how to handle live wires.”

  “As do I, Ms. Carrington, and I find that the best way to do it is to remove the power; that way it doesn’t result in a sharp shock!”

  Riley just shook her head as she climbed back on top of the island and secured the wire nuts to install the light.

  “C’mon, I’ll drive, Oscar’s?” Joanna asked with a huge grin on her face as she stood back admiring the transformation Riley had created.

  “One of my favorites,” Riley said with a smile as she saw the approving look on Joanna’s face.

  * * *

  “Joanna, lovely to see you,” the tall handsome European-looking man said to her with a hug and a kiss to her right cheek as they entered the restaurant.

  “You too, Oscar, this is Riley…”

  “I know. Riley, how are you doing, kiddo, staying out of trouble?”

  “Always, Oscar, you know me!” Riley grinned with a slightly flushed face, giving Oscar a hearty hug.

  “I have a table at the window for you,” Oscar said as he motioned a waitress and pointed toward the table.

  Oscar’s had been around forever. It was a local restaurant with great food and they always had a wait on the weekends. Joanna took a lot of her clients there and when Riley wasn’t at the Other Left, she was usually at Oscar’s. She had a standing brunch date there with Rae and Tracy on most Sundays.

  “So I see your reputation precedes you even here, Riley,” Joanna said with a smile.

  Riley rolled her eyes and ordered an iced tea as the waitress came by.

  “The same, please; you ready to order, Riley?” Joanna asked.

  “Oh, yeah, the works burger, Meg, thanks.”

  “Sure, Riley, and you, ma’am?”

  “The salmon salad, dressing on the side, please.”

  “You got it, I’ll have that right up,” the waitress said as she ripped off the order slip and headed for the kitchen.

  “So, let’s talk a little about New York,” Joanna said, looking at Riley and seeing her eyes light up. “How will your family feel about you being on the East Coast for six months?”

  Growing up, Riley didn’t have any real parental support. Virginia Carrington was more concerned with her status at the country club than raising her daughter. Her mother had always been suspect of her daughter’s sexuality. Riley had been the classic tomboy since she was little. It was when Virginia had caught Riley and Amanda Jones making out in the back yard of their family home that her worst fears were confirmed. She would never be the mother of a blushing bride and she had shunned Riley. Riley didn’t care; she researched and took advantage of every student loan and grant she could find, moved out, and paid her way through undergrad and grad school. She scraped out passing grades and worked a variety of jobs despite the fact she was drunk more nights than she was sober and most of her college years were a blur.

  Riley shrugged, looking down at her iced tea. “Don’t really have much of a family.”

  “Mother, father?” Joanna questioned.

  “Well, my drunk of a dad left when I was twelve and I haven’t seen or spoken to him since and my mother pretty much disowned me when she found out I was gay.”

  “How old were you when she found out?” Joanna asked sympathetically.

  “Sixteen. She was more concerned that her friends at the club would find out,” Riley said, making quote signs in the air. “So, when I graduated high school I moved out.”

  “The same year you graduated?” Joanna asked in surprise.

  “Nope, same day; graduated at one, had my shit packed and out the door by three!”

  “Well, that explains a lot,” Joanna said softly. “How did you live, did your mother help you?”

  “No, she never gave me a dime, not that I want anything from her either. Let’s just say I have a lot of student loans. I worked a couple of different jobs, had a crappy apartment on the East side, but it got me through. I guess Rae and Tracy are the closest thing I have to family. I worked for Tracy at the Left when I was in grad school and after I…” Riley trailed off. “Well, let’s just say they looked out for me.”

  Joanna raised her eyebrows. “You have a girlfriend, Riley?”

  Riley blushed at the question. “You know, here, there, nothing serious. What about you, Ms. Armstrong, you always wanted to be a marketing mogul?” Riley asked, wanting to take the focus away from herself for a while.

  “First, call me Joanna, and no, I was going to be a doctor like my dad. Helen, Karen, and I all went to grad school together and it was Helen who wanted to start the firm. I passed my boards and was a resident but the reality was, I hated seeing people in pain and not having control over it.”

  Laughing, Riley just about spat her iced tea all over the table. Joanna had a puzzled look that soon turned into a wide grin.

  “You do see the irony in that, right?” Riley laughed.

  “Eat your burger!” Joanna scolded, laughing.

  “So who is Karen?” Riley asked.

  “Karen started the firm with us; she was Miles’ sister. She passed away from breast cancer four years ago,” Joanna said sadly.

  “Oh, yes, of course, I’m sorry.”

  “No, it’s okay, that’s how Miles ended up at the firm,” Joanna said. “So I was thinking, I will be taking a trip to the New York office over Thanksgiving week to meet the new clients and see my father and I was thinking if you don’t have plans, you might like to come along? That way you can see the New York office and meet the team before you make a long-term decision. There is a great hotel next to the apartment building and the firm will pay for the trip; what do you think?”

  Riley looked like a kid on Christmas morning; Joanna couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’ll take that as a yes, Riley?”

  “Oh, yes, thank you! Is the parade close? Is it by Times Square? Is Broadway nearby?”

  “Yes, we can do all that, Riley,” Joanna laughed.

  * * *

  Joanna glanced over at Riley on the ride home; she still had her lopsided grin affixed to her face. “Riley, you did a great job on the filing and my house looks fabulous. You can call it a day when we get home.”

  “No, I’m not finished,” Riley said, concerned. “I still have a couple of shelves to put up and curtains to hang!”

  “Oh, okay, no problem. I thought you were done. I can help if you like,” Joanna said, giving her a reassuring smile.

  “Yes, great, or you can go out and come back when I’m done?” Riley
grinned.

  “And leave you alone with live wires, not a chance!” Joanna laughed.

  “Okay, but I’m going to put you to work if you stay,” Riley declared.

  “Well, I think I might look good in a tool belt, Ms. Carrington!”

  “I think you would too, Ms. Armstrong!” Riley blushed.

  “Okay, let’s get to work!” Joanna said as she pulled up the gravel driveway.

  * * *

  “Where did you learn all this, Riley?” Joanna asked as she helped Riley lift an exquisite contemporary chandelier over the dining table and seat it into the bracket.

  “Another job I had in school. I worked for a design contractor for a couple of years,” Riley grunted as she tried to muscle the last long screw into the beam. “There, what do you think? If you don’t like this one, there was another one I liked that I can show you.”

  “No, it’s beautiful, Riley,” Joanna exclaimed as she marveled at the results of the last few hours.

  Riley got down from the table, stepped back, and took a look at the light. “Yes, I like it too,” she said with a grin. “Well, I have a couple more things in the car, but after that we’re done!”

  Joanna helped Riley place the last few accessories around the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. Riley stepped back and moved a couple of things around a few times until she was satisfied.

  “Everything is lovely, Riley. I still can’t believe what you’ve done here, and I can’t wait for Helen to see it,” Joanna said with a wide grin.

  Riley blushed at the compliment, but was happy her boss was pleased.

  “Now go home and enjoy your weekend. I’ll see you on Monday at the office.”

  “Yes, Ms. Armstrong, and thank you for not firing me. It won’t happen again,” Riley said as she took a final glance around at her work.

  “Well, just remember your backside is mine if it does, miss!” Joanna declared.

  Chapter Four

  “Hey, kiddo, last day of suspension, manage to stay out of trouble with your boss today?” Rae asked, handing Riley a beer as she took a seat on her favorite stool at the bar.

  “Funny,” Riley quipped. “Yes, I did and she really liked what I did with the house; it turned out great! And… I get to go to New York over Thanksgiving to check out the office and meet the staff and she said we could go to the parade and it’s right by Times Square!”

  “Whoa, slow down, tiger!” Rae teased. “Don’t get too cozy; she’s your boss, remember?”

  “I know. Anyway, I just came to say hi. I feel like dancing tonight, I’m going over to the Zee!”

  “Just as well,” Rae said to Riley. “Joanna and her girlfriend just walked in!”

  Riley’s excitement faded as she saw Joanna and Cheryl heading in her direction.

  “Riley, I don’t think I’ve formally introduced you to Cheryl,” Joanna said cheerfully.

  “Hey,” Riley said coolly.

  “Nice to meet you, Riley. Jo tells me you’ve done some magic with her house the last couple of days?”

  “All in a day’s suspension, I guess,” Riley retorted rather shortly as she finished her beer and threw a few dollars on the bar.

  “Nice to meet you, Cheryl, bye, Jo!” she said, emphasizing the ‘Jo’ as she looked at Joanna and turned to the exit. “See you later, Rae.”

  “Okay, stay out of trouble and try not to take any strange women home, okay?” Rae hollered after her.

  Rae and Joanna made eye contact knowingly. “Has she always been this feisty, Rae?”

  “Oh, you have no idea, she was much worse!” Rae laughed. “What can I get you? Oh, and these are on the house!”

  Joanna suddenly focused her attention to the far wall and walked over to it. “Rae, where did you get this painting? Riley got a similar one for me, but she didn’t tell me where it came from. I love it; she said it is a local artist?”

  Rae considered Joanna for a moment. “Joanna, I think if you look at the signature, that will tell you.”

  Joanna got closer and studied the right-hand corner of the painting: R A C in flowing script. R A C, she thought to herself, giving Rae a puzzled look.

  “Oh, shit, I’m such a dope!” Joanna exclaimed. “Riley, and I’m guessing, Anne? Carrington!”

  “Yup,” Rae smiled.

  “God, she’s amazing!” Joanna exclaimed.

  “Yes, she is, Joanna,” Rae said seriously, giving her another knowing look.

  Joanna’s face flushed a little and Cheryl just sipped on her martini with a sour look on her face.

  “Rae, does Riley ever speak to her mother? She told me they don’t exactly get along,” Joanna asked.

  “Not very much, just the usual birthday and Christmas obligations. She’s all about her image and with Riley being gay, she doesn’t exactly fit the country club mold. Although Riley said she’s been calling a lot more lately. I guess one of your clients is a friend from the country club and was telling her mother how wonderful Riley is? Now of course she wants the three of them to do lunch.”

  “Really, do you know what client?” Joanna asked curiously.

  “No, but Riley didn’t want any part of it. I told her she should go, it’s been too long. If Riley and her mother could mend some fences, it might do Riley some good. She’s been through a lot her mother doesn’t know about. Riley’s excited about New York though, but I can’t say I won’t be a little worried about her!” Rae smiled.

  “Yes, I know, Riley said you and Tracy are the closest thing to family she has. Helen and I both have apartments in the same building though and if she doesn’t like it she can come back any time she wants,” Joanna said reassuringly. “We’ll take care of her, Rae.”

  * * *

  It was a sunny, mild morning for November and Rae, Tracy, and Riley opted for outside seating for brunch at Oscar’s.

  “Ah, my favorite ladies, champagne today?” Oscar asked with a smile.

  “You bet, Oscar, we’re celebrating! Riley landed herself a gig in New York for a few months,” Rae beamed.

  “Ah, very good, with Ms. Armstrong’s company?”

  “Yep!” Riley grinned as Oscar poured the champagne he reserved for his special guests.

  “How’s business, Rae?” Oscar inquired.

  “Can’t complain, Oscar, it pays the bills and the restaurant has been crazy lately. Tracy hasn’t stopped!”

  “That’s good, no?” Oscar said as he placed the bottle in an ice bucket next to the table. “Julie will be over to take your order shortly, enjoy.”

  “Thanks, Oscar. Okay, Riley girl, here’s to you in New York!” Tracy announced, raising her glass.

  “Yes, congratulations, kiddo!” Rae smiled, raising her glass.

  The three women toasted and Riley and Tracy immediately drained their first glass.

  “Okay, first of all, you two slow down. Just because I’m driving doesn’t mean you can drink yourselves silly today,” Rae scolded.

  “Oh, come on, Rae, we’re celebrating,” Tracy dismissed, filling up hers and Riley’s glass again.

  “I mean it, or both of you will be celebrating with sore backsides when we get home!” Rae threatened sternly.

  The grins simultaneously disappeared from Riley’s and Tracy’s faces at Rae’s threat. Then Tracy and Riley made eye contact with one another and the grins started to creep back, followed by nasal giggles that erupted into hysterical laughter.

  Rae just shook her head with a resigned smile. “You two are impossible!”

  The three women chatted enthusiastically over brunch and Tracy said she would take Riley shopping for some new clothes. “New York is going to be cold, you know; do you even own a coat, Riley?”

  “No, I didn’t even think about…” Riley stopped mid-sentence when she saw Joanna and Cheryl being seated across the patio from them.

  Joanna acknowledged them with a smile and Cheryl just sat coolly giving Riley a brief glare before turning her attention to Joanna and the waiter.

  “
Fuck, again, really? This town is not that small!” Riley said in disbelief.

  “Mouth, miss!” Rae scolded. “It’s not like you don’t know she hangs out here and at the Left!”

  “I know you’re right, but what’s with that Cheryl chick? I mean she’s nice-looking, I guess, but her and Joanna? I don’t see it,” Riley reasoned with herself.

  “Someone’s jealous!” Tracy goaded.

  “Oh, please!” Riley scoffed, eyeing the two women across the patio. “So do you think that Joanna spa…” Riley trailed off her sentence, turning crimson as she realized she had started to ask the question in her head out loud.

  Tracy jumped on the opportunity at her friend’s expense. “Go ahead, say it, I know what you want to ask!” she said with a grin.

  “Stop it, Tracy, you’re making Riley uncomfortable, but my guess, yes. I’m pretty sure Miss Cheryl over there has felt Joanna’s hand on her backside!”

  “More champagne, ladies?” the waitress asked, filling up Riley’s and Tracy’s glasses and replacing the empty bottle in the ice bucket.

  Tracy and Riley finished the second bottle of champagne over lunch while Rae sipped on her first glass. Riley and Cheryl had occasionally made eye contact and glared at each other a few times over the previous hour, which had not gone unnoticed by Joanna or Rae.

  “I’m picking up the check today!” Riley declared as she practically snatched the check away from the waitress.

  Riley paid the bill and the three women got up and walked across the patio toward the exit. Joanna and Cheryl were still seated when they walked by.

  “Hello, ladies,” Joanna said pleasantly.

  “Hey, boss lady!” Riley said casually, feeling the effects of the champagne.

  Joanna just grinned.

  “Riley, I really like what you did with Joanna’s living room, but I rather think you missed the mark in the bedroom!” Cheryl goaded.

  Riley looked at Cheryl and snarled like an angry dog about to pounce.

  “Well, I can guarantee you that I won’t be missing the mark when we get home and you’re over my knee!” Joanna announced authoritatively to her now crimson-faced girlfriend.