by Nell Stark
“More arc. You totally straight-armed that.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “Thanks ever so much, Coach.”
“Maybe you should do some suicides to get those jitters out of your system.”
This time, Sarah laughed. How does she always have the perfect comeback? “I’ll pass. Besides, it’s time for me to go.”
“Good luck. Knock ’em dead. Don’t pick your nose.”
“You and your pearls of wisdom.” Sarah opened the door and looked back over her shoulder. “Thanks. See you later.”
*
Nancy’s assistant—Kelly, Sarah reminded herself—emerged from the inner office and beckoned to her. “We’re ready for you now.”
Sarah followed her inside and took the indicated seat at a small, round conference table. Nancy sat across it, a file folder and legal pad on the table before her.
“Hey, Sarah. Good to see you again. How are you?”
Relax. Joke around. Rory’s advice echoed in her ears, but she’d never been much of an improv comedian. Best to stick with being polite. “I’m doing well, thanks. And you?”
“Just fine.” Nancy smiled. “We appreciate your coming in today.”
Sarah tried to smile back. She was pretty sure that her expression looked sickly. Relax! “Well, thanks for having me.”
“This shouldn’t take long,” Nancy said. “We just want to get to know you face-to-face and give you an opportunity to ask us some questions, okay?”
Ah, the “this is not a test” speech. Right. Sarah nodded. “That sounds great.”
Nancy looked down at the papers on her desk. “Really interesting résumé you’ve got here. You’re a sailor, huh?”
The question caught Sarah by surprise. She had expected some reference to her two years at Yale, but not about her position on the sailing team. “Was. I don’t have time for it here, unfortunately.” She resisted the urge to rub her suddenly sweaty palms on her slacks. “Do you sail?”
“Oh, I’ve only been out a few times. I’m a rank amateur.” Nancy clicked her pen and jotted something down on the legal pad. “Tell me, what made you decide to transfer out of Yale?”
Sarah’s stomach lurched, despite the fact that she had anticipated the question and had an answer prepared. “Finances,” she said. “My circumstances changed after sophomore year, and I couldn’t afford tuition any longer.”
Nancy was frowning slightly as she looked across the table, and Sarah wondered whether she suspected the truth. It would be so easy to elaborate, but… No. I won’t play that card.
“How are you liking URI so far?” was Nancy’s next question.
“Oh, I’m enjoying it quite a bit. Especially the GLBT student center.”
“It looks like you’ve gotten very involved there already,” Kelly chipped in.
“There’s so much going on, and the people are fun.” On a whim, Sarah decided to try for some humor, after all. “Very persuasive, too. Somehow I ended up on the dance committee, despite the fact that I have two left feet and no aptitude for interior decorating.”
When they both laughed, Sarah felt relieved. She leaned back in her chair and took a deep, slow breath. All right, Rory. Good call.
“So,” Nancy said, “why don’t you tell us a bit about why you applied for this internship?”
Sarah had anticipated this line of questioning, too. She leaned forward slightly. “I know that I don’t really have much experience—academic or practical—with the kind of work I’d be doing as your intern.” She shrugged. “That probably doesn’t make me the most attractive candidate on the planet. But I’m taking a women’s studies course right now that’s cross-listed with political science, and I’m really enjoying it.”
Kelly looked like she wanted to say something, but Sarah continued on before she could be interrupted. “Also, I have to admit that my own coming-out process wasn’t exactly smooth. I’m not looking for pity, and I certainly don’t think I’m unique. I guess what I’m trying to say is that the fight for equal rights isn’t only intellectual to me. It’s personal, too. I’m really vested in it.”
“I feel exactly the same way,” Nancy said.
She had, Sarah noticed, written several more notes down on the paper. Sure wish I could see what they say.
“You just talked a lot about your interest in our project,” Kelly said. “What other personal qualities do you have that you feel make you a good fit for this position?”
Sarah smiled. This was an easy one. “I’m a hard worker. When I got to Yale, I found out that high school had been a real breeze for some of my peers—that they had barely tried. That was never true for me, and I don’t mind admitting it. I wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t try my hardest at anything I commit to.”
“Your transcript is certainly impressive,” Nancy said.
Sarah nodded. “I’m planning to go to med school. It has to be.”
“Dr. Storm.” Kelly raised both eyebrows. “That has a dramatic ring to it.”
“Sounds like a character on General Hospital to me,” Sarah said, grinning.
“Well,” Nancy said, “that’s about all we need from our end. But if you have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“I do have a few, actually.” This part was, Sarah knew, just as important as her responses had been. Having no questions, or asking only about superficial matters, would hurt her application. But posing insightful and penetrating questions would show Nancy and Kelly that she wasn’t just interested in a line on her résumé—that she cared about Fair Rhode Island and its mission.
She asked them about the precise relationship between GLAD and FRI. She asked about their purpose in creating the internship, and about the nature of the intern’s duties. She asked about their priorities and concerns with respect to the referendum. And when she finally sat back and announced that she was out of questions, she had at least as many notes written down as did Nancy.
“Thanks again for coming in,” Nancy said as they walked her to the front door of the small office suite. “We’ll get in touch with you within the next few days to let you know.”
“Will do.” Sarah shook her hand, then Kelly’s. “Thank you both.”
She blew out a long sigh as the door closed behind her. Whew, all right. That didn’t go half bad, I think. Now all I can do is—
“Sarah, hey! There you are.”
“Chelsea?” Sarah blinked in the bright sunlight as Chelsea gave her a swift hug and a light kiss on the cheek. “This is a surprise. What are you doing here?”
“Well, you seemed really worried about this interview. So I thought I’d meet up with you afterward and treat you to ice cream.”
“Wow, thanks. That’s really nice of you.” Sarah rocked back and forth on her heels, uncertain of what to do next. Can’t believe she was here waiting for me.
“There’s a Coldstone Creamery around the corner,” Chelsea said. She reached for Sarah’s hand and tugged her forward. “C’mon.”
When Chelsea didn’t relinquish her hand, Sarah decided to just go with it. It felt nice to be close to someone again—someone who clearly wanted her company. Who had sought her out. They’d been crossing paths frequently—on the quad, in the chem building, in the dining hall. Sarah had figured that it was coincidence, but suddenly, she wasn’t so sure.
Maybe Rory was right after all. Maybe she does like me. But despite some pretty solid evidence, Sarah couldn’t quite believe it. Chelsea could have anyone at this school. Everyone says so. Why the hell would she pick me?
“I thought about working in a Coldstone one summer,” Sarah said in an attempt to break the slightly awkward silence. “The singing for tips thing really threw me for a loop, though.”
Chelsea laughed. “You don’t like to sing?”
“Oh, I like it just fine…when I’m in the privacy of my own car with the radio drowning out my very mediocre alto voice.” Sarah grabbed the door and held it open. “How about you?”
Ch
elsea grinned over her shoulder. “I’m in an a cappella group here.”
“Oh, yeah? That’s cool. Which one?”
“Afterhours. It’s a co-ed group. We’re performing this Friday at the KKG house. You should come.”
“Okay, sure.”
Once they had ordered, Chelsea led the way to a small table in the back corner. Sarah couldn’t help but admire the way her low-cut jeans hugged her butt and thighs. Hot. When they sat down, Chelsea sipped at her smoothie and rested one hand on Sarah’s left arm. And okay, she’s definitely flirting with me. It felt nice, sure, but also a little scary. Given how her relationship with Dar had ended, was she really ready to get back on the metaphorical horse?
She’s not asking you to marry her, idiot. Chill out and enjoy this. Just…go with it.
“So,” Chelsea said, “tell me all about the interview.”
Sarah summarized it briefly before turning the subject back to Chelsea’s musical aptitude. It was so much easier to be a good listener than to carry the conversation herself. Chelsea was more than willing to talk about her passion for music, her major, and her career plans, topics that lasted them until they were standing outside of Hutchinson.
“I have just been talking your ear off, haven’t I?” she said, taking a step closer to Sarah.
“I like hearing about your interests,” Sarah said, resisting the urge to move away. What’s wrong with you? Flirt back!
“One of my interests happens to be you,” Chelsea said, looking up intently.
“Oh?” Sarah’s mouth felt suddenly dry.
“Yeah.” Chelsea reached up to put her arms around Sarah’s neck. “Have I told you yet how hot you look today?” When Sarah shook her head slightly, Chelsea rose onto her toes. “You look really, really hot,” she whispered into Sarah’s right ear.
Sarah shivered at the feeling of their bodies pressed together and Chelsea’s warm breath against her face. For a split second, she was disoriented by the unfamiliarity of the embrace. Dar had been—
No! she thought savagely, angry that the memory of Dar had intruded into this moment. Dar had no place in her life, and no place in her head. She’s gone. She didn’t want you. But Chelsea’s here, and she does. Get on with your life.
Taking a deep breath, Sarah let her hands come to rest on Chelsea’s waist. “You’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen,” she said, wishing she’d had more practice at situations like this.
Chelsea’s response was to kiss her. Sarah felt her entire body jolt at the combined sensation of Chelsea’s lips and tongue against hers. Whoa.
“Mmm,” Chelsea said when she pulled away. “That was nice.”
“Yeah.” Sarah cleared her throat “Yeah, uh, thanks. For the ice cream and…everything.”
Chelsea’s smile was bordering on smug. “See you soon,” she said, before spinning on one heel and sashaying away. Sarah watched her go. She still felt a little dazed.
Well. That was…interesting. Her pulse was racing and she desperately needed a drink of water. There was something incredibly attractive about a person who just took what she wanted like that. But on the other hand… I barely even know her.
“So get to know her,” she muttered as she turned toward the door, wishing she could leave her lingering doubts behind. Take Rory’s advice. Date. Have a good time. Be normal, for Christ’s sake.
*
The call came on Sunday night, while Sarah was halfheartedly studying for her inorganic chemistry midterm. Bored and restless, she was more than happy to be interrupted by her cell phone.
“Hello?”
“Sarah, this is Nancy, from Fair Rhode Island.”
“Oh hi, Nancy.” Sarah looked over her shoulder in time to see Rory turn in her desk chair and wave two sets of crossed fingers in the air.
“I’m calling to offer you the internship,” Nancy said. “What do you say?”
“Really?” Sarah blurted.
“Yes, really.” Nancy sounded amused. “Does that mean you accept?”
“Of course, yes. I’d love the position!” Sarah watched a huge smile break out on Rory’s face. She grinned back.
“Excellent. Why don’t you come down to the office tomorrow to fill out some paperwork. It’d be great to have you start by the end of this week, if that works for you.”
“Definitely. Thank you so much, Nancy. See you tomorrow, then.”
Rory war-whooped as soon as Sarah flipped her phone shut. “That’s so fantastic!” she said, jumping out of her chair to give Sarah a quick, fierce hug. “Congratulations!”
“I can’t really believe it,” Sarah said. “God. This is so very cool.”
“No more waitressing for you, roomie. You’ve got a bona fide internship—oh!”
“Oh? Oh, what?”
“Hey, would you mind if I got this moment on film?” Rory said. “I think it might fit in to the documentary.”
“Ah, no,” Sarah said, surprised and a little bit flattered. “I don’t mind. Though…I can’t act worth beans.”
Rory took her by the shoulders. “I’m making a documentary, genius. You’re not supposed to act.”
She went to the closet, then, and rummaged around briefly. When she turned around, she was holding a small video camera that she expertly trained on Sarah. “Sarah Storm has just discovered that she’s been selected as the student intern for Fair Rhode Island,” she said, setting the scene for her future audience. “How do you feel, Sarah?”
“Uh,” Sarah said, abruptly self-conscious. Now that Rory was standing there filming her, she realized that being the protagonist of this documentary meant that she’d be seen—and frequently—by many people once the film was finished in the spring. I may not have to act, but I’d better not look stupid.
“I feel great,” she said, trying to relax. Forget the camera. Act like this is just a conversation with Rory. “I can’t believe they picked me. I’m really honored. And excited.”
“Tell me a little about what you’ll be doing in the internship,” Rory prompted.
Sarah focused on Rory’s face and immediately felt better when she smiled encouragingly. “I’m sure I’ll find out more tomorrow,” she said. “But based on what I know so far, it sounds like I’ll be working primarily to raise awareness on the URI campuses about the proposed amendment and to encourage my peers to vote—hopefully ‘no’—in the April election.” She shrugged. “If that’s going well, I’d also like to work on getting the word out to the broader community.”
“Sounds like you’ll be busy,” Rory said. “Would you mind talking a little about why the Vote No campaign is so important to you?”
“Well, as a lesbian, this campaign has personal significance to me,” Sarah said. When she realized that she had just come out on camera, she felt a twinge of panic that subsided as quickly as it had come. “Someday I’m going to fall in love with a woman who feels the same way about me. And when I do, I’m going to want to marry her. Not in Massachusetts or in Canada—here.” She couldn’t help thinking of Dar, and quickly changed tacks.
“But there’s more to my involvement in FRI than my own sexual orientation. Limiting the definition of marriage is unconstitutional. If the proposed amendment passes, the state of Rhode Island will be discriminating against many, many people on the basis of their sexual orientation.” The familiar anger at her parents burned in her chest, and she sat up straighter. “That’s not just, and I’m going to do everything I can to convince the people of Rhode Island to vote no.”
Rory lowered the camera slowly. “You’ve got my vote,” she said, looking thoughtful. “You’re really eloquent when you get all fired up, you know that?”
Sarah slumped back into her chair, relieved to be out of the spotlight. “Seriously?”
“Yeah. You’re going to be good at convincing people.”
“I hope so,” Sarah said. She gestured toward the camera. “Was that what you wanted?”
“Yeah, that was excellent,” Rory said, lea
ning against her desk. “I’m thinking that I’ll use interviews to contextualize the other footage that I get.”
Sarah nodded. She didn’t know the first thing about making a movie, but she had seen a few documentaries that worked that way. “Sounds good.”
“Thanks for letting me put you on the spot,” Rory said. “Especially since you’d probably much rather be celebrating.” She pointed to Sarah’s cell and waggled her eyebrows. “Don’t let me keep you any longer. Call Chelsea up right now. Go have yourself a good time.”
Sarah looked at her phone where it lay on the desk, then back at Rory. I don’t want to go out, she realized. I want to stay in.
“I’ll tell Chelsea tomorrow,” she said, raising one hand to forestall Rory’s protest. “What I really feel like doing right now is watching a movie with you.”
“Yeah?”
“Yeah. So why don’t you pick out something for us—one of the many films I haven’t seen but really should.”
Rory nodded. “All right, I can do that. As long as you start boiling water for cocoa in that hot pot of yours.”
Sarah grinned. “You’ve got a deal,” she said. “I like the way you think.”
Chapter Six
Two weeks later
“Raise your arms.”
When Sarah did, Chelsea whisked off her shirt, then quickly shed her own. Sarah felt her pulse speed up as she took in the lines and curves of Chelsea’s naked torso. Beautiful.
“I like the way you look at me,” Chelsea said. “Now—lie back.”
Again, Sarah did as she was told. The sensation of Chelsea’s palms brushing over her nipples made her gasp. When Chelsea rolled both between her fingers and lightly pinched them, Sarah’s hands moved to Chelsea’s shoulders.
“Good?” Chelsea whispered. They were in her room, on her bed. Moonlight streamed in through the window, tinting pale skin silver. Chelsea was on top, and the things she was doing with her talented hands sent bursts of pleasure down Sarah’s spine. The sensations settled between her legs.