by Aurora Rey
Lia nodded. “I’m impressed.”
“I thought you would be. I try.”
“Well, let’s get out of here. I’ll do my best to get you back to my place in one piece.”
Sally gave her a quizzical look, but instead of answering, Lia walked through the doors leading out of the terminal. Even expecting it, she nearly had the wind knocked out of her by the gust of frigid air and swirling snowflakes.
Sally stopped dead in her tracks. “Oh, my God.”
Lia spread her arms out Vanna White style. “Welcome to Massachusetts.”
They got into Lia’s car quickly and got on the road. As they drove south, the snow began to fall more heavily. By the time they crossed the bridge onto the Cape, Lia could hardly see the road in front of her. She drove at a crawl, gripping the wheel.
“Are you okay?” Sally asked for the fourth time.
Lia tried to stretch out the kink developing in her neck. “It’s just that, for as long as I’ve lived up here, I haven’t had to drive much in the winter.”
“You’re doing far better than I would. I’d have given up ages ago. Should we stop somewhere? Will it let up after a while?”
Lia snorted. “You’d think. Sadly, I learned pretty quickly that it can snow like this for hours, if not days. I’m afraid if we stop, we’ll never get started again.”
They drove along, making slow and steady progress. Just as they were about to enter Truro, a car came up behind them. It pulled into the left lane, sped past, then cut back in front of them. Sally was giving the driver a piece of her mind when the brake lights flashed and the car started to fishtail. Lia panicked and hit the brake hard. She immediately felt the back end of her car lose traction. She attempted to steer in the direction of the skid, as she’d been taught to do but never actually tried, but it was too late. The car turned perpendicular to the road and slid onto the shoulder. Fortunately, they didn’t hit anything. They weren’t even off of the road entirely. Lia looked over at Sally, whose eyes were as wide as saucers.
“You okay?”
Sally nodded, but didn’t speak. Lia took a few deep breaths and tried to slow her racing pulse. It was okay. They were both okay. Even the car was okay. They sat for a few moments in silence.
“What a fucking asshole!” Sally, it seemed, had found her voice.
Lia smiled, then she snickered. Sally was always one to tell it like it was. She also swore like a sailor. Within seconds, Lia was laughing hysterically. When she finally stopped, she had to wipe tears from her eyes. “I love you.”
“I love you, too. I do not love that fucking lunatic that just about killed us. Seriously, what the fuck?”
“Seriously.” Lia tapped into her drawl, mimicking Sally. “I hope you don’t swear like that in front of the kids.”
“Of course not. That’s why I do it so much when they aren’t around. I have to get it out of my system.”
Lia rolled her eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”
“You’re ridiculous.”
“Okay, let’s try to get our ridiculous selves out of here.” When Lia tried to pull back onto the road, however, the car didn’t budge. She tried again, pressing harder on the gas pedal. “It’s no use. I’m just making it worse.”
Sally made a face. “Should we call a tow truck?”
As if on cue, Lia’s phone started to ring. It was Alex. She showed Sally who was calling, then swiped a finger across the screen to answer. “Hey.”
“Hi. I wanted to make sure you got home okay. The snow is getting worse.”
Lia debated how much to share. She’d been so adamant she could handle driving in the snow. “Well, we’re not quite there. We had a little incident.”
“What do you mean? Where are you? What happened?”
Alex’s voice sounded more worried than judgmental. “We’re fine. Some jerk passed us, then swerved in front of me and started fishtailing. I braked to avoid hitting him, but slid off the road in the process.”
“Where? Are you still in the car? Are you sure you’re not injured?”
“I promise. We’re barely off the road, but I can’t get any traction. We’re stuck on the far side of Truro.”
“Don’t move. Don’t get out of the car. I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”
“You don’t have to come out. I think we just need a tow truck.”
“I’ll take care of it. Do. Not. Move.”
Lia looked at the screen of her phone. Call Ended. She looked over at Sally, who was regarding her with a raised eyebrow. “What?”
Sally shrugged. “Sounds like someone has a hero.”
“I don’t…It’s not like that.”
“Yeah, we’ll see about that. I can’t believe we’re stranded in a blizzard. It’s so exciting.”
“It’s not a blizzard. And we aren’t stranded.” Lia tried unsuccessfully to keep an edge out of her voice.
“If you say so, Miss Cranky Pants.”
It was the perfect retort. Lia couldn’t deny being cranky without sounding more cranky. She had to laugh—only Sally would combine a third grade insult with the panache of a criminal prosecutor.
True to her word, Alex arrived less than fifteen minutes after ending the phone call. She pulled up next to Lia’s car and climbed out. Lia motioned to Sally and they both stepped out into the blowing snow.
“Alex, Sally. Sally, Alex.” After the introductions, Lia turned to Alex. “You really didn’t have to—”
Alex cut her off. “I wanted to. Is there stuff in the back?”
“One suitcase. Can we just leave the car here?”
Alex picked up the bag and carried it to her truck. “A friend of mine owns a garage. Leave the keys under the front seat. She’ll be here in less than an hour and will tow it home for you.”
Sally hopped into the back seat of the truck before Lia could argue. Lia climbed into the passenger seat next to Alex. “I’m sorry to put you through so much trouble.”
“Don’t apologize. I’m happy to help. I wish you’d called me.”
Lia frowned. “Well, we didn’t not call you. We were trying to figure out what to do when you called.”
Sally chimed in from the back seat. “My friend has issues with being seen as helpless. I, on the other hand, have always relied on the kindness of strangers.”
Lia rolled her eyes. “Cool it, Blanche.”
Alex chuckled and Lia turned to her. “Thank you. Really. I appreciate your coming to our rescue.”
Alex looked at her so intensely that Lia’s heart started to race again. “I’m happy to. Call me. I mean it.”
Lia nodded her agreement as Alex put the truck in gear and pulled onto the road.
They pulled up in front of Lia’s and Sally leaned into the space between them. She turned to Alex. “Have you eaten? You should join us.”
Alex chuckled. “A very tempting offer, but I’m going to give you two some time to catch up. You’re coming to dinner at my place tomorrow, right?”
“That’s the plan. We might come to the bakery in the morning.”
Sally put a hand on Alex’s shoulder. “She means absolutely, most definitely. She says your croissants are better than the ones at la Madeleine.”
“I’ll be sure to keep one with your name on it.”
“Perhaps you should make it two.”
“Deal.”
Lia and Sally made their way down the snowy sidewalk. Alex didn’t pull away until the door was open and they were inside. They peeled off their coats and boots.
“I’m sorry that was such an ordeal.”
“Nonsense. It was an adventure, and I got to meet Alex.”
“Well, I’m glad you see it that way instead of a near death experience. Are you hungry?”
“Ravenous. How about you make me a grilled cheese and try to convince me again that this is just a fling?”
They sat on the couch in sweatpants, eating sandwiches and drinking red wine. At first, Lia was able to keep the conversation focused on Sally
. They talked about Logan and Charlie, who were devastated that they were missing out on a chance to see real snow, and about Sally’s husband, Will, who was planning a golf weekend with his buddies in exchange for parenting solo for the better part of a week.
“He’s not really solo. Between my mom and aunt, I don’t think he’s going to have to cook once. If anything, he’ll have to banish the mother hens so he and the boys can get the man time he promised them.”
“What does man time consist of?”
“I think it involves video games and junk food mostly, perhaps some inappropriate scratching.”
Lia snorted. “I’m glad I’m a lesbian.”
“Speaking of lesbians, let’s talk about you.”
“Did you really just say that?”
Sally shrugged and took a bite of her sandwich. Lia shook her head.
“Things are good. Physically, at least. And we have a great time. At this point, I’ll take it.”
Sally didn’t seem convinced. “I’m not sure people brave a blizzard to come to the rescue of someone they only think of as a roll in the hay.”
“Again, not a blizzard. She does nice things. A lot of nice things. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Are you falling for her?”
“I told you, we’re keeping it casual.”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
Lia continued, “It’s kind of beside the point. After the whole New Year’s fiasco, we pretty much agreed to keep it light, no strings attached. She doesn’t do relationships and, for now, I don’t either.”
Sally gave her a look. Lia imagined it was the one she used with an uncooperative witness. “Okay. Let’s try this again. Put aside the idea that Alex might be a player. Put aside the idea that you have no business falling in love with anyone.”
Lia huffed. “Okay.”
Sally let a long moment pass and then asked again, “Are you falling for her?”
“Yes.” Lia closed her eyes. There it was, whether she liked it or not. “I don’t know what that means, and I’m pretty sure it’s a terrible idea, but yes.”
Sally smiled. “That’s my girl. At least we know what we’re dealing with. We can sort out later whether or not it’s a terrible idea.”
Lia slumped back on the sofa. “I don’t see how it could be anything but a terrible idea.”
“It means, my darling, that your heart is intact. It means you’re ready to leave the train wreck that is Dani behind.”
“I guess you have a point.”
“I usually do. That’s what they pay me for.”
“Thanks, counselor.”
Sally slung an arm around her shoulder and squeezed. “Your bill is in the mail.”
When they’d finished the bottle of wine and were struggling to stay awake, they made their way upstairs. They crawled into the big bed together, just like when they were ten. With Sally asleep next to her, Lia stared into the darkness. Whether she was prepared for it or not, she was well on her way to falling in love.
Chapter Twenty-six
Lia and Sally arrived at The Flour Pot just after nine. Most of the morning crowd was already gone. When they walked in, Jeff was perched at a stool behind the register, staring intently at a clipboard with a pencil stuck behind his ear. He looked up and flashed them a broad smile.
“Southern belles, two of them. Alex promised you’d be in. Lia, introduce me to this beautiful creature.”
“Jeff, this is my best friend, Sally. Sally, this is Jeff. He’s the manager here.”
Sally extended her hand. “Pleasure to meet you.”
Jeff took her hand. “Oh, honey, the pleasure is all mine. I’ve been hearing stories about you for weeks.”
Sally rolled her eyes. “Oh, Lord. That sounds dangerous.”
“Only good things, I swear. Except for that time you borrowed your daddy’s car without asking so you could go to some frat party at LSU and got yourself ticketed and towed.”
“Well, if that’s the worst you heard, I’m thinking we can still be friends.” Sally winked at him.
“Girl, if you have worse stories, we might just be the best of friends. Now tell me why you have such a delightful accent and Lia hardly has one at all.”
“It’s because she never left,” Lia said. “College at Loyola, law school at Tulane. Girl is a tried and true gem of the Mississippi Delta.”
Jeff’s eyes suddenly got big. “Did you have a debutante ball?”
Sally shook her head. “I did not. That was more of a rich, city folk thing. Lia and I were country girls.”
Jeff looked genuinely disappointed. “So sad.”
“She was the queen of a Mardi Gras ball, though.” Lia knew Sally hated when she brought that up, which was why she did so every chance she got.
“Really?”
“I was, although I think it was because the Louisiana Bar Association thought having a woman of color as their queen would be a nice notch in their diversity belt.”
Lia shook her head. “Although that might, sadly, be true, you are without a doubt the most beautiful attorney in a hundred mile radius of New Orleans.”
“I haven’t even been to New Orleans and I’d put money on that,” Jeff said.
Alex emerged from the kitchen. “Good morning, ladies.”
Lia’s gaze instantly went to her, as it always seemed to do. She heard Sally say, “Well, look at you all chef-y and handsome.”
Alex grinned at the compliment. “We’ve been anxiously awaiting your arrival. What can we get for you today?”
“I’ll have a latte,” Lia said.
“Do y’all do mochas?” Sally asked.
“Yes, indeed, I’ll get right on those for you.” Jeff moved over to the espresso machine to start their drinks.
Before Lia could ask for two chocolate croissants, Alex leaned under the counter and pulled out a beautiful glass cake stand with a domed lid. On it there appeared to be at least half a dozen chocolate croissants. “I believe I promised to put your names on a few of these. I do hope initials will do.”
She removed the lid with a flourish and Lia realized that each of the pastries was marked with an S or an L in chocolate. It was silly and thoughtful and decadent and Lia knew that Sally would love it. It was just the kind of thing that would lead Lia to fall in love with a person, if she were inclined to fall in love.
Sally looked at the plate and smiled. “Ohhh. Those look good.”
Lia nodded her agreement. “They’re beautiful, and completely over the top.”
“We aim to please. Now go make yourselves comfortable and we’ll be over with your coffees.”
Lia led the way to her usual table. Jeff brought over two large coffee cups and Alex placed the plate of croissants and two saucers on the table. Alex bowed. “Of course, we are happy to bring you anything else you might desire.”
“Oh, I think this will do us just fine,” Sally said.
“Well, enjoy. Darcy is out today, so I’ve got to go finish prepping for lunch.”
“Okay. Good luck, and thank you.” Lia meant it in more ways than one.
They managed to polish off five croissants between the two of them and Lia was afraid she might burst. They carried the plates and cups back to the counter.
“Leaving so soon?” Jeff asked.
“Well, there is no way we could possibly eat lunch. And I promised Sally we’d walk down to the beach no matter how cold it was.”
Jeff whistled into the kitchen. “Today might be your best bet. The sun is out and the wind isn’t too bad.”
“My thoughts exactly.” Alex emerged and Lia filled her in on their plans. “We’ll be at your place at six. Are you sure we can’t bring anything? Wine?”
“Just your lovely selves.” Alex walked around the counter and gave Lia a kiss. “Enjoy your afternoon and be careful at the beach.”
Lia and Sally strolled through town, stopping in the handful of shops that were open. Sally picked out some souvenirs for the boys at t
he Marine Specialty, along with a couple of vintage military pins for Will. They put in an appearance at the real estate office to say hi to Jan and Stacia. Sally bought two of Damien’s photographs for her office, then lamented her decision to bring a small suitcase. After Lia assured her they could be shipped, Sally made them backtrack to one of the boutiques they’d stopped in so she could buy two sweaters and a pair of pants. Lia had almost forgotten how much Sally liked to shop.
At around two, Lia determined that it was as warm and sunny as it was going to get. They walked down to the beach in town, admiring the boats and the calmness of the water. They walked back to Lia’s and drove along the road at Herring Cove. Lia pointed out her favorite spots, realizing she was more excited to show off Provincetown than she’d ever been to show off the sights of New York.
*
Lia and Sally rang the bell at Alex’s a few minutes before six o’clock. Despite Alex’s directions, they each carried a bottle of wine. Neither of them were raised to show up for a meal at someone’s house empty handed.
“Even if she is your girlfriend,” Sally said.
“She’s not my girlfriend.”
Alex opened the door to find Lia glaring at Sally. Sally flashed Alex a brilliant smile and whatever it was seemed to pass. She led the way upstairs, then took the bottles of wine each of them offered. “You really didn’t have to.”
Sally shrugged. “And that’s why we did.”
Alex opened wine and put out a plate of cheese and olives for them to eat while she finished dinner. Much like Lia, Sally was smitten with Murphy. They sat on the floor and lavished him with belly rubs and ear scratches.
“He’s going to be incorrigible for the next week,” Alex said.
“He doesn’t have an incorrigible bone in his body,” Lia said. “What’s for dinner?”
“Shepherd’s pie and roasted Brussels sprouts with walnuts and cranberries. It’s just about ready.”
Sally stood. “That sounds amazing. After this morning, I was sure I wouldn’t want to eat for days, but you’ve proven me wrong.”
“I do my best.”
They sat at the table and passed dishes. Alex studied Sally. She was anxious to learn about the woman who’d been Lia’s best friend for so long. She also hoped to learn a thing or two about Lia along the way.