Love at Last Call

by M. Ullrich

  “I’m sorry. Are you embarrassed by working for Berit?”

  Lauren felt her defensive walls go up. “Of course not. Berit is great to work for, and her business is incredibly successful.”

  Jennifer appeared unbothered by Lauren’s sharp tone. “I’m only asking because you answered me like you were on a job interview.” Lauren relaxed and felt a bit ashamed for being so harsh. “What happened at your last job? You don’t have to answer if that’s a sore subject, but your little speech left me intrigued.”

  Their dinners came, and Lauren looked at Jennifer excitedly, rubbing her hands together. “I’ll tell you about it, but I’m diving into this lasagna first.”

  Lauren and Jennifer chatted nonstop throughout dinner, talking about Lauren’s rocky days and sudden dismissal from her job, and Jennifer shared what Berit was like when she was younger. Jennifer reminisced about the antics of Berit and her brother, and how Berit was her first crush.

  “It was only because I knew she was gay,” Jennifer said, defending herself. “She could’ve been an absolute monster, and I would’ve had a crush on her.”

  “I’m sure it helped that she’s as beautiful as she is.” Lauren finished the last drop of wine in her glass, thankful the drink had helped loosen her up. “What about you, Jennifer? Were you always this attractive?”

  Jennifer gave her a small, confident smile. “I went through an awkward stage just like everyone else, and I even went through a femme phase.”

  Lauren gasped dramatically.

  “I know, I even shocked myself with that one. But the older I get, the more comfortable I become in my skin. I feel more like myself now than I ever did.”

  Lauren nodded. “Berit has that kind of confidence, too. I’ve admired that since I first met her.”

  Jennifer’s brow formed a deep crease between her eyes. “How long ago did you two meet?” she said before taking a long sip from her wine.

  “A little over a month ago. She actually hit on me, but I didn’t fall for it.”

  “Why not?”

  “Come on, a woman like Berit has ‘heartbreaker’ written across her forehead. I’m not a casual gal, I don’t do flings,” Lauren said, pushing aside her plate. “She’s definitely a flinger.”

  Jennifer snorted, making Lauren smile. “A flinger?”

  “Yeah, and I totally get why women fall for her, but I’m always looking for loyalty and stability. I can’t imagine what it’s like to date multiple people. I feel lucky enough when one woman actually likes me back.” Lauren covered her face. “I cannot believe I just said that.” Lauren felt Jennifer wrap her fingers around her wrist before she opened her eyes and saw Jennifer smiling softly at her.

  Jennifer held Lauren’s hand on the tabletop. “I can’t believe anyone wouldn’t like you back.”

  Jennifer was smooth. Lauren looked at their joined hands shyly. “May I ask you a personal question? On a first date do you…” She looked around before leaning in to whisper, “Go all the way and order dessert?”

  Jennifer laughed outright, the hearty sound filling the quiet restaurant. When her laughter subsided, she renewed her grip on Lauren’s hand and covered it with her other. “I make a habit of it, actually.”

  They ordered dessert, different choices but they promised to share. Lauren waited for their coffee and sweets to arrive before diving back into conversation. She was dying to learn more about her date. “How would you feel about a rapid-fire round of this-or-that questions?”

  Jennifer eyed her curiously as she stirred her coffee. Jennifer liked her coffee dark, Lauren noted, unlike the fancy cappuccinos Berit nearly melted for.

  “We’ll get to know some basic likes and dislikes. It’ll be fun.”

  Jennifer looked pensive and thoughtful before agreeing. “Sounds fun. Since I already know I like you, I guess it’s important to know whether you prefer dark, milk, or white chocolate.”

  “Dark is my favorite, milk chocolate is delicious, and white chocolate is just a sad reminder you’re not eating real chocolate.”

  “I agree with you, but I do enjoy the occasional cookies and cream bar. Favorite ice cream flavor?”

  “Strawberry bonbon.” Lauren jumped when Jennifer slapped her palm on the tabletop.

  “I was so certain about pistachio, but I had forgotten about strawberry bonbon.” Lauren’s heart fluttered at Jennifer’s playfulness. “Cats or dogs?”

  “If you had asked me this a month ago, I’d have said cats. I love their independence and how quiet they are. We had a few cats who were my best friends when I was younger. Even when they hated me.” Lauren and Jennifer shared a laugh.

  “So what changed?” Jennifer said. She cut a cannoli in half and offered Lauren the larger of the two pieces.

  “Have you met Berit’s dog, Hugo?” Lauren bit into her dessert and waited for Jennifer to answer. She nearly moaned. She adored cannoli.

  “No, I’ve not.”

  “He’s so cute and sweet. When I watch the two of them goofing around it makes me wonder if I’ve been a closeted dog person this whole time.”

  “I’m not rushing you ladies,” the waitress said as she approached the table. She placed the check down and smiled brightly. “Can I get either of you more coffee or anything else?”

  “I think we’re good, thank you,” Jennifer answered for them. Lauren was loving her take-charge attitude. Jennifer looked at Lauren with less of a smile than before. “I have an early-morning client tomorrow.” Jennifer grabbed the check before Lauren could make an attempt for it.

  “Oh.” Lauren checked the time and was shocked to see the time nearing ten o’clock. They’d been together for over two hours, and it felt like no time at all. “I didn’t realize it was getting so late. How much do I owe you?” Lauren picked up her purse from its hanging spot on the chair.

  “This is my treat,” Jennifer said. She smiled broadly, but Lauren wondered why it hadn’t reached her eyes in the same way as earlier.

  “Thank you.” Lauren couldn’t say how grateful she really was for not having to max out her last credit card just to pay for dinner. Payday at the Dollhouse couldn’t come soon enough. Lauren knew exactly what she’d like to do with the next few extra bucks she earned. “Maybe you’ll let me treat you next time?” She threw her desire to see Jennifer again out there. After all, they had more than enough compatibility to explore.

  Jennifer waited a beat before answering. “That sounds great. I have a busy week ahead of me, but I’ll call you.” Jennifer signed the receipt and stood. “Let me walk you to your car.”

  They walked side by side, bumping against one another ever so often. Lauren resisted the natural urge to hook her hand into the crook of Jennifer’s elbow. Lauren’s belly filled with the jitters that always accompanied the end of a first date. Would they kiss? Did Jennifer want to kiss Lauren?

  “Tonight was great,” Lauren blurted awkwardly. She stopped beside her car, trying not to focus on how embarrassingly old it was, and stared up at Jennifer, who stood at least two inches taller than her. “I’m actually surprised by how great.”

  Jennifer took Lauren’s hands in her own and said quietly, “I’m happy to have surprised you, Lauren.” She raised Lauren’s hands to her lips and placed a kiss on her knuckles. “I’ll call you.”

  Lauren giggled like a smitten schoolgirl. “I’ll look forward to your call.” She watched Jennifer walk away, unabashedly checking out her ass as she sauntered to her car. Lauren waited for Jennifer to drive away before heading to the Dollhouse to thank Berit.

  * * *

  “You really need to stop spoiling me, Rosa,” Berit said as she took her twenty dollar tip from the bar and shoved it into the overflowing glass behind the bar.

  “You deserve it. You make me a perfect martini every time I’m here. Consistency is hard to find these days.” Rosa chewed on one of three olives from her martini as she watched Berit closely. “You’re very quiet tonight.”

  Berit let the comment roll
right off her. “It’s been a busy night.”

  “You’re usually at your most energetic and talkative on busy nights.” Berit eyed her curiously. “I’m here a few times a week, I notice things,” Rosa said with a shrug. “Is everything okay?”

  “I’m fine.” Berit patted Rosa’s hand and threw in a wink for good measure. “Let me know if you want another. It’s buy one get one free martinis tonight.”

  “Is it really?” Rosa perked up noticeably.

  “For you it is,” Berit said. She walked to the back of the bar. Some paperwork had to be finished. Berit still had to work out payroll hours and how much cash to give Lauren. Lou knocked on the doorframe.

  “We’re running low on Grey Goose and Fireball. Do we have some on order?” Lou shoved off the wall and took a seat.

  Berit checked her order history. “Both are on order and should be here Tuesday. Think we’ll be good until then?” Berit didn’t look at her sister before going back to her work.

  “I think so. Is everything okay with you?”

  “You’re the second person to ask me that in the last ten minutes. I’m fine, really. Just in a weird mood. Probably PMS-ing or hangry or something.” Berit waved off Lou’s concern. She wasn’t ready to examine the reason for her foul mood.

  “Hey!”

  Berit winced the moment she recognized Lauren’s voice behind her. She looked at Lou blankly and turned to find Lauren smiling brightly.

  “What brings you in tonight? I thought you like to stay out of the bar on your days off.” Berit didn’t mean to sound like she wasn’t happy to see Lauren. She had a feeling she’d always be happy to see Lauren, but tonight had been enough of a struggle without having her around.

  Lauren leaned her head against the doorframe and giggled. “I’m in a very good mood and didn’t want to go home.”

  “I, for one, am glad to have some good vibes around,” Lou spoke up. “Berit has been—”

  “Busy tonight.” Berit turned back to glare at Lou.

  “Well, I just wanted to thank you for setting me up with Jennifer. You were right, she’s amazing and funny and really sexy.” Lauren looked to Lou and started fanning herself.

  Berit smiled meekly. “You’re welcome.” She felt a little more of her inner light dim. “See? I can be a good friend.” Lauren nodded and bounced out of the office. Berit slumped into her chair with a heavy sigh.

  “I forgot her date with Jennifer was tonight,” Lou said. Berit could hear the shift in her sister’s tone. “That explains your sour mood.”

  “I’m fine.” Berit grabbed her phone. “Two friends of mine hit it off and will live happily ever after. I’m great,” she said drolly. She stood in the small doorway and looked out into the bar. She typed out a message to Jennifer.

  Hope it’s not too late. I just wanted to see how your date went. Berit tried her damnedest to list reasons why Jennifer and Lauren wouldn’t work out, but she came up with nothing. Jennifer answered her message almost immediately.

  I had a good time.

  Berit frowned at her phone. She looked up and easily found Lauren’s smile in the crowd around the bar. That’s it? No details? She typed back.

  There’s not much more to say.

  Berit was getting a distinctly different vibe from Jennifer than she had from Lauren. But how could she tactfully ask about their date without giving away Lauren’s giddy presence? Will there be a date number two?

  “I have to get back to work. Thanks for draining my break of all its fun.” Lou stormed past Berit and back to the bar. She always had a flair for the dramatic.

  You two have never been together? At all?

  Berit’s eyes went so wide, her phone screen seemed to brighten. Me and Lauren? No. Why?

  Because she talked about you all night. Maybe you ought to give it a go.

  At one time Berit would’ve thought the constant mention of her meant something. She’d feel hopeful about a future for her and Lauren, but not now. Berit watched as Lauren laughed with Dee from across the bar. She’d never seen Lauren that happy. She’d been unable to make her that happy. Berit had tried for weeks to put the same kind of sparkle in Lauren’s eyes, and Jennifer was able to do it in one night. She had to tamp down her jealousy and muster up the kind of support a true friend would show.

  There’s nothing to “give a go.” She talked about me because I’m common ground. She was nervous to meet you. Berit sent the message and closed her eyes. When she reopened them, she typed one more message. Take her out again. I already know she really likes you.

  Berit swallowed back her sadness when Jennifer replied with a smiley face. She looked at Lauren again and wondered how her feelings had spun out of her control.

  Chapter Twelve

  Berit couldn’t think of anything else in the world she enjoyed more than her mother’s mashed potatoes. Lou had convinced Berit to head to their parents’ house for Sunday dinner the following weekend, and although family time could be stressful, she needed the distraction. She had suffered through a play-by-play of Lauren’s first and second dates with Jennifer.

  On some level, Berit was happy for Lauren, but every other level was jealous and somewhat surprised. Jennifer seemed quite boring as a date, but Lauren was positively gaga over her. They had their second date at the beach. Not the boardwalk with the rides and games and ice cream, but just the beach. Berit yawned while Lauren recounted the way they splashed together in the waves.

  “Would you like more gravy?” Berit’s mother offered her the gravy boat. “The chicken is a little drier than usual.”

  “Everything is great, Mom. Especially the potatoes.”

  “I made extra just for you, Berit.”

  “Wow,” Matt said deeply. “It’s like the rest of us don’t even matter.”

  Berit’s mother, Florence, smiled at her three children who had managed to make it for dinner. “When it comes to mashed potatoes, Berit is the only one who matters.”

  “Ouch.” Lou chuckled.

  “I’m sorry your father is at the shop so late. He said he’d be home for dinner, but you know how your dad is.” Florence shifted the napkin on her lap and reached for more green beans. Berit grabbed the dish first and served her mother.

  Berit chose to ignore her father’s absence. It was a relief, really. They’d usually butt heads for the whole meal and everyone’s appetites would nosedive. But that didn’t mean she didn’t care for her father. “How’s Dad been? Other than busy.”

  “His cholesterol is high and his knee is bothering him, but he refuses to do anything about either. He says he’s too young to make changes,” Florence said with a roll of her eyes. “I told him he’s old and won’t get much older if he keeps this up.” Everyone laughed. “How have you been, dear? We haven’t heard from you much lately.” Florence lightly touched Berit’s forearm.

  “I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy with the bar.”

  “Louise has been busy, but has also made time to check in with me,” Florence said. Lou stuck her tongue out at Berit from across the oval table.

  “Message received loud and clear.” Berit filled her mouth with another forkful of potatoes.

  “I make sure I talk to Mom every day,” Matt said.

  “You live here.”

  “Still. Every day.” Matt stuck his tongue out, too.

  “Enough of that,” Florence said. “Tell me, Berit, how’s life outside the bar? How’s my grandpuppy? Are you dating anyone?” She raised her glass and paused before she drank to say, “Finally?”

  And Florence wondered why Berit rarely updated her on her life. “No, Mom, I’m not dating anyone.” Ever since her eldest brother’s second wedding, Florence had been harping on Berit to settle down. She still didn’t know what about Jeffrey Junior’s second marriage triggered her mom, but Florence was relentless on her quest for Berit to get married.

  “I dream of the day you bring someone home. A nice woman that makes you happy. Preferably a woman who’d like some children, too
.”

  “Talk to JJ if you’d like some grandkids.” Berit ate the last of the chicken from her plate and pushed it aside.

  “Let’s make sure this marriage sticks first,” Florence said.

  Everyone looked at her with wide eyes. “What?”

  “Sick burn, Mom!” Matt applauded his mother’s cynical display.

  “I’m home,” Berit’s father called out from the front door. He rushed into the kitchen with a broad smile. “Three out of five kids here at once. You’d think it was my birthday or something.” His blue work shirt was smudged with grease from the day. Jeffrey Matthews was one of the most trusted mechanics in town. He filled a plate with most of what was left over and sat heavily in the head chair. He looked grayer than the last time Berit had seen him. “Wait, is it someone’s birthday?” Matt and Lou laughed, but Berit knew he wasn’t joking. She shook her head.

  “Berit was just telling us why she’s still single.”

  “No, Mom, I wasn’t.” Berit stood and brought her dishes to the sink.

  “She has feelings for someone at work,” Lou whispered, but Berit still overheard.

  “I do not.”

  “Tell us about her,” Florence said excitedly.

  Lou took charge. “Her name is Lauren and she’s really smart and pretty, and has absolutely no interest in Berit.”

  “Get the fuck out of here,” Matt chimed in.

  “Language,” Berit’s dad barked. “No cursing at the dinner table. You’re twenty years old, you know the rules.”

  Berit excused herself during the distraction. “I have to go. I’m meeting up with a friend.”

  Her dad held up his hand. Berit looked at him, annoyance surfacing so easily. “I just got home. Sit with your family a little while longer.”