Emily's Art and Soul

by Joy Argento

  “Hey! No roughhousing in the hot tub,” Andi said as she sent a wall of water back at Emily.

  Emily laughed as the water dripped from her hair and she wiped it away from her eyes.

  The laughter died away as the women once again relaxed into the water. Emily closed her eyes. The only sound in the air was the bubbles in the water coming to the surface and the hum of the hot tub motor.

  Emily was very aware of just how close Andi was to her. Their shoulders rested against each other, skin touching skin. She felt flushed from the contact. The heat she felt was coming from more than just the water. “I certainly hid being gay,” Emily said, cutting through the silence, her eyes still closed. “Not that I’m calling that a deformity. But I hid it so well that even I didn’t see it. Sometimes common sense eludes me. I think that is one of my deformities. I can’t see what is right in front of me.” After several seconds she asked, “Do you think that makes me stupid or blind?”

  “Oh, Emily. That makes you human.”

  “Being human is hard sometimes.”

  “It sure is. But it’s also great most of the time.”

  Emily opened one eye and glanced at Andi. Andi’s eyes were closed. Tiny beads of sweat formed on her upper lip. Emily resisted the urge to run her finger across it. It sure is great most of the time. And confusing. And…and…and…

  Andi opened her eyes. “Whatcha doing?”

  Emily’s blush added to the heat of the water. She just smiled and shook her head.

  “You’re hot.”

  “What?” Emily opened her eyes.

  “Hot. Too hot. Your face is looking a little red. You can’t stay in the hot tub too long ’cause you can get too hot and it fries your brains. So, we need to get out before our brains fry.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Well, our brains won’t actually fry—I think. But yeah, you shouldn’t stay in for too long.”

  Emily rose and eased out of the tub. The cool air felt good against her hot skin. She grabbed the towels from the deck railing and waited while Andi got out. She watched as a drop of water ran from Andi’s chin, down her long neck, and over her chest, coming to rest on the swell of flesh before descending and being lost in the cloth of Andi’s bathing suit. Emily realized she was staring and turned her eyes away as she handed Andi her towel. She was in no hurry to dry herself, hoping the cool air would quell the heat that was rising in her. The heat continued despite the air, and she wrapped the large towel around her, slid open the glass door, and stepped into the house. She left the door open for Andi to follow but didn’t wait for her to come in before going into Andi’s bathroom to change her clothes.

  She emerged several minutes later fully dressed, towel and wet bathing suit in hand. Andi was nowhere in sight and the sliding glass door was closed, so Emily assumed Andi was changing in the other bathroom. She deposited the wet items in the plastic basket on top of the washer in the laundry room and barely avoided running into Andi as Andi entered the room with her own wet things.

  “Hi,” Andi said.

  “Hi,” Emily said back.

  “Would you like something to drink?”

  “No, I think I am going to stay away from alcohol for a little while,” Emily said.

  “I was thinking more like water. It’s a really good idea to drink water after you get out of the hot tub. Go make yourself comfortable in the living room and I’ll get us some.”

  Emily sat in the rocking chair and pushed off the floor with her toes setting the chair in motion. She needed to use up some of the extra energy coursing through her. Sexual energy? She didn’t know.

  “Thanks.” Emily took the water Andi held out but avoided looking at her. She didn’t trust what she was feeling. She drank half of the water down in one long swig. “I think I’m going to get going after I finish my water.” She needed to get away, think about things. Because what she really wanted to do was to be as close to Andi as possible.

  Andi walked her to the door and gave her a tight hug. “I had a great day. Thanks so much for the pleasure of your company.”

  “It was a pleasure giving you pleasure,” Emily said without thinking. “Um. I mean I enjoyed it too. I’ll see you at school tomorrow. Don’t forget you’re coming over to watch movies on Friday night.”

  “I won’t forget. I’ll see you tomorrow. Have a good night.”

  Andi leaned against the open door and Emily knew she was watching her as she walked to her car. She gave a quick wave and backed out of the driveway. Yes. She needed to put space between them before she did something stupid. Because what she really wanted right now was to do something stupid.

  Chapter Seventeen

  “Oh my God. You look terrible,” Andi said, when Emily opened the door. “You’re so pale.” But still beautiful. Always beautiful.

  “Gee, thanks. I was hoping I would feel better by the time you got here. Guess my plan didn’t work. There’s a twenty-four-hour bug going around at school. I’m sure that’s what I have. I was hoping to get rid of it in more like four hours.”

  “No such luck, huh?”

  “Nope.”

  Andi put her hand up to Emily’s forehead. “You feel warm. I think you’ve got a fever. Did you take anything? Aspirin or anything?”

  Emily shook her head. “We can cancel if you want. I should have. But I really wanted to spend time with you.”

  The sentiment went straight to Andi’s heart. She felt the same way. Sick or not, she wanted to be with Emily. She welcomed the opportunity to take care of her. She deposited Emily on the couch, went to fetch some Tylenol and water, and handed them to Emily.

  “Where’s Mindy?”

  “She is spending the night at Daisy’s house.”

  “We don’t have to watch a movie if you feel sick. I’ll sit with you for a while if you want me to.” Andi hoped she would let her stay.

  “I would love that.” Emily mustered up a smile.

  Andi sat down next to her and leaned back. “Come here and lay your poor, sick head on my bosom.”

  Emily looked at her and smirked. “What kind of a person uses the word ‘bosom’?”

  Andi feigned offense. “Apparently a person who spent way too much time with their grandmother as a kid.”

  “I don’t want to get you sick.”

  “I’m not worried about it. If I get sick, I know you’ll take care of me.” She knew it was true.

  “You bet your sweet ass I would.”

  “I knew you thought my ass was sweet.”

  “Actually I thought you were more of a smartass than a sweet ass. But I’m starting to change my mind.” Emily leaned into Andi, settling her head more on her lap than on her bosom. “Thank you.”

  Andi pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and covered Emily with it. “How’s that?”

  Emily let out a contented sigh. “It’s perfect. You’re perfect.”

  “I know.” Andi stroked her shoulder.

  Emily snuggled in closer. “I don’t feel so good,” Emily said.

  “I know, baby. I’m here. I’ll take care of you.”

  “I was going to make us popcorn and we were supposed to have a nice night watching movies. I even got one with girl-on-girl action, just for you.”

  Andi could hear the smile in Emily’s voice, even though she couldn’t see her face. “Shh, we can watch them another time. You rest now.”

  “Tell me more about your grandmother.”

  “My grandmother, huh? Well, let’s see. She’s about four foot nothing, round, and happy. I loved spending time with her as a kid. She makes the best tomato sauce you’ve ever eaten and she always smells a little bit like garlic. She told me never to swallow my gum because my guts would stick together. You don’t get better advice than that. She loves to read and travel and really live. She loves me and I love her.”

  “Uh-huh,” Emily said, so low Andi could barely hear it.

  “She’s going to love you too, when she gets to meet you. She’ll know
just how special you are.” Andi gently brushed her fingers through Emily’s hair. And you are special, my friend. Very special.

  “Andreina,” Emily whispered, and drifted off to sleep.

  Andi let out a contented sigh.

  Chapter Eighteen

  Emily awoke to a rhythmic sound coming from right behind her. Confused, she opened her eyes and blinked a few times. It took several moments for her to get her bearings. There was sunlight streaming in through the windows and she realized she was in the living room. The details of last night drifted back to her through her morning haze. That rhythmic sound was Andi breathing.

  Emily was lying on her side, her head across Andi’s lap. Andi’s hand was resting on Emily’s waist, skin touching skin. Heat radiated from it, but Emily didn’t know if it was from Andi’s hand or the reaction her own flesh had to Andi’s sleeping touch.

  “Andi,” Emily said softly. “Andi,” she said a little louder. “Andi!”

  “Huh?” Andi was awake now but not fully articulate.

  Emily rolled over onto her back and looked up at Andi. The movement caused Andi’s hand to travel from her waist to her stomach and Emily felt heat in the pit of her stomach and below.

  “Are you awake?”

  “Huh? Um, yeah. How are you feeling?” She looked down at Emily and smiled. Her hand absently caressed Emily’s stomach.

  Emily’s breath caught in her throat.

  Andi pulled her hand away and rubbed her eyes.

  Emily felt the loss of Andi’s touch immediately. “I’m feeling much better. But I bet you feel sore as hell from sleeping in that position.”

  “I’m okay,” Andi tilted her head, stretching her neck muscles, first one way and then the other.

  Emily felt both a little awkward and a little turned on with her head on Andi’s lap, looking up at her. “How about you go take a shower and I’ll make us something to eat?” She sat up reluctantly, not really wanted to leave the position she had been in.

  “Are you sure you’re up to it? You weren’t feeling too great last night.”

  “I’m sure. A hot shower will do you good.” She reached across the short distance between them and rubbed Andi’s knee. “Thank you for taking care of me last night.”

  “My pleasure,” Andi answered, with a shy smile. “And I think I will go take a shower.”

  Emily rose from the couch, grabbed Andi’s hands, and pulled her to her feet.

  “Good. Use my bathroom. The towels are in the cabinet, shampoo is in the shower. Feel free to look through my drawers to find something to wear.” Emily turned Andi around by the shoulders. She resisted the urge to pat her on the butt and instead patted her on the back and said, “Now go.” She didn’t, however, resist the urge to watch Andi’s rear end as she walked away.

  ***

  The smell of bacon and coffee filled the air as Emily put the final touches on breakfast. Andi appeared right on time, donning a pair of Emily’s jeans and a T-shirt and no bra. Emily could see her nipples poking through the thin material. She was barefoot. Sexy. Emily pushed the thought away. “Those clothes fit you great.”

  “I even managed to get into your pants.” Andi blushed, obviously realizing how that sounded.

  Emily laughed. “You wish.” But she was beginning to wonder just who was wishing what. “Come on and sit down.”

  Andi sat. “I appreciate your making me breakfast.”

  Emily set a cup of coffee down in front her. She really did look good in her clothes. “And I appreciate you staying with me last night. Having you here really did make me feel so much better.”

  “Anytime. Let me know whenever you need me to spend the night with you.”

  The innocent statement sent a surge through Emily. The thought of spending the night with Andi in her bed made her whole body go hot. She set about the task of buttering toast with her back to Andi in an attempt to hide her feelings and sort through her thoughts.

  “Are you all right?” Andi’s voice startled her.

  “Yep,” Emily answered, her back still to Andi. She spooned the scrambled eggs from the pan on the stove into a bowl.

  “You’re just very quiet all of a sudden. Does your head still hurt?”

  Emily turned around and attempted a smile. “My head is fine. Although I guess that’s a matter of opinion.”

  “Well, if my opinion counts, your head is more than fine.”

  “In that case, yes. Your opinion does count. Thanks.” Emily wondered if Andi was having any of the same feelings. She wasn’t even sure what feelings she was having and told herself to figure out her own thoughts and feelings before trying to figure out someone else’s.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Emily was a little more than surprised on Wednesday when Belinda called to see if she was interested in going out for a drink on Saturday night. Emily had all but forgotten about her. Belinda was the only other person besides Jenny whom Emily had met on her speed dating adventure that she had had the slightest bit of interest in. That had been nearly a month ago.

  Emily hesitated before answering. The date with Jenny hadn’t gone too well, and Emily was trying to sort out her feelings for Andi. She didn’t know if she wanted to go out with Belinda after all.

  “It’s just a drink,” Belinda said, after getting no response. “Or how about coffee Saturday afternoon? No pressure. I’d like the opportunity to get to know you a little better.”

  “Sure,” Emily said at last. What would be the harm in having coffee? “Where and what time?”

  “Which are you saying yes to? The drink or the coffee?”

  “The coffee, if that’s okay with you,” Emily said.

  “That’s fine.” Belinda proceeded to give her the information and directions. “I look forward to seeing you again.”

  “Me too,” Emily said, but she wasn’t sure she meant it.

  ***

  The crisp feeling of fall permeated the air as Emily walked across the parking lot. The sun was shining, but the blowing wind negated any warming effect it might have had. She pulled the collar of her fleece jacket up higher to shield her neck. Many of Emily’s friends considered this a great time of year. They loved the changing colors of the leaves and the escape from the heat of summer. Emily couldn’t understand that. To her, the gold and orange leaves meant that the cold of winter would soon be settling in. She didn’t like the cold and she knew that Syracuse, like Rochester, could get pretty darn cold in the winter.

  She had chosen the house she bought in North Syracuse not only because of the large windows in the den that became her studio but also because it had that wonderful fireplace. She pictured the fireplace stacked with seasoned wood ablaze with a warm crackling fire. The image included a glass of wine in her hand and Andi softly kissing her neck. She closed her eyes for a moment and stopped walking. She shook her head to dislodge the image from her mind.

  “Jeez,” she said under her breath. Here I am meeting someone for coffee—okay, let’s get real here—meeting someone for a date, and I’m thinking about Andi kissing me? That is so not cool. What kind of a person am I?

  She shook her head again and walked the rest of the way to the door. She could smell the fresh coffee as soon as she pushed it open. She walked to the counter and waited as an elderly man paid his bill.

  “Table for one?” the hostess asked her as she handed the man his change.

  “No, I’m supposed to meet someone. Her name is Belinda. Would you happen to know if she’s here yet?” Emily looked around to see if she could see her, not a hundred percent sure she would recognize her.

  “Emily?” She turned at the sound of her name. Belinda had come in behind her. She was prettier than Emily remembered. Her ash-blond hair was cut short and tapered around her face. Her dark eyes were bright against her pale skin. The tan trench coat she wore was tied loosely at the waist with a matching belt.

  “Yes.” Emily smiled. “Here she is,” Emily said to the hostess. “Table for two, please.” />
  “Right this way.” The hostess grabbed two menus from under the counter. Emily and Belinda followed her into the dining area.

  Belinda removed her overcoat, revealing a dark red turtleneck sweater and black pleated skirt. She looked nice. Emily wondered if she was underdressed in her best jeans and casual white blouse.

  The waiter appeared with a pot of coffee. “Yes,” both women answered in unison when he asked if they wanted any.

  He filled both cups. “I’ll be back in a few minutes for your orders, ladies.”

  Emily poured her usual amount of half-and-half and sugar into her cup and stirred it while Belinda watched with amusement.

  “A little coffee and a lot of cream and sugar, huh?” Belinda said.

  Her statement brought Emily back to the first time she had coffee with Andi.

  “I wasn’t sure you still wanted to get together when I called you.”

  “I wasn’t sure either,” Emily said honestly.

  “And yet here we are. Why?”

  Emily studied Belinda, trying to decide how much to tell her. “Hmm, well, I guess I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go out with you. Nothing personal, nothing against you, I’m sure you’re a great person.”

  “I am,” Belinda said with a smile. “So why the hesitation?”

  “Because I’m pretty sure I’m falling in love with my best friend.” There. Emily closed her eyes for a moment. I said it. I said it out loud. She repeated it. “I think I’m falling in love with my best friend.”

  “I’m thinking this might get in the way of our dating,” Belinda said. “I’m joking. I’m sorry. I’m a good listener if you want someone to talk to. I’m getting the feeling that you’ve been keeping this all bottled up. Does your friend know?”